The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a new VIP Security Wing months after assuming the responsibility of protecting VVIP like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, among others. This wing will only take care of the security of VVIPs. The wing will operate from Delhi and an Inspector General-rank officer will be heading it.
There were few incidents which came into picture, indicating negligence of the CRPF deployed for protection of Priyanka Gandhi came forward, especially when an unauthorised car entered inside Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s residence. The matters were escalated quickly and Home Minister Amit Shah had to reply to it in Parliament. After this, another controversy arose when Priyanka Gandhi went to Lucknow and was seen sitting behind a scooter.
The CRPF had said that during the journey, Priyanka used a civilian vehicle which was not bullet-proof. This act of the Congress general secretary was termed a violation of security protocol. All these incidents led the CRPF to forward a proposal to create a separate wing for VVIP security. The Home Ministry, in its order issued in November last year, withdrew the SPG security from the Gandhi family and their security was given to the CRPF.
From time to time, the security arrangements given to VIP personalities of the country are reviewed and it is also modified according to the need. According to sources, the central government had to take this decision based on the input received from all agencies. It was found in the information received from all the security agencies that there is no direct threat to the Gandhi family.
In August last year, SPG security of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also lifted. The CRPF has written a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs demanding a separate VVIP sector headquarters and training centre. In November last year, the Union Home Ministry had issued an order withdrawing the SPG security given to the Gandhi family and provided them with CRPF protection. CRPF VVIP Security used to previously see officers of Intelligence Wing of IG Lining but now dedicated IG level officers will check on matters of VIP Security.