Amid protests against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Union government has further upgraded his existing Z+ security cover, with more personnel now deployed outside his residence, at the Election Commission office and for his personal security, HT has learnt.
Delhi Police officials aware of the developments, without giving details, confirmed that Kumar had previously had Z+ security cover for sometime. There was another protest outside his family’s house in Agra. We had to assess all the threats and increase the security cover. We had also placed a few pickets near his house. This is the highest tier of civilian security that the government provides. Further, the protectee gets round the clock personal security officers (PSOs). The security is done in layers with watchers, guards, close protection team, and others security personnel on duty.
The Indian Youth Congress confirmed they staged a protest near Kumar’s residence on September 27, demanding his resignation but were soon stopped by police and security personnel. Under it, according to a second senior police officer, the protectee has a security cover of more than 55 security officers, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and the Delhi Police.
The move appears to have been made after protesters staged a protest against the CEC’s houses in Delhi and Agra, according to officials aware of the matter. A senior police officer said, “The protesters managed to trace his house. Police said all CECs get Z tier security. Adding that there are police vans in the colony round the clock with commandos roam outside the house all the time, the staff said, “We are not used to this much security. Officials aware of the matter also said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has already increased its security inside the Nirvachan Sadan — the headquarters of the ECI office — on Ashoka Road in central Delhi.
