Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar's security cover has been upgraded to the 'Z' category, according to sources at the Union Home Ministry.
According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned Z category security for the Chief Election Commissioner based on an intelligence report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). They did not share the specifics of IB's threat perception report.
Under Z category security protocols, a comprehensive security detail has been deployed. A total of 33 security personnel, including CRPF commandos, have been assigned to safeguard Kumar.
This entails 10 armed static guards stationed at Kumar's residence, six personal security officers (PSOs) providing round-the-clock protection, and 12 armed commandos working in three shifts to escort him. Additionally, two watchers per shift and three trained drivers are on standby to ensure Kumar's safety at all times.
The decision to elevate Kumar's security status comes amidst heightened turmoil surrounding the ongoing political landscape as opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress protest against the Election Commission.
The move comes amid preparations for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections that begin on April 19.
Rajiv Kumar is a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch. He took charge as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. He had been appointed as an election commissioner in the poll body on September 1, 2020
