New Delhi: The Union government has accorded ‘Z’ category VIP security cover to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following an attack on her, official sources said on Thursday.
Gupta, her official residence and the Camp Office on Raj Niwas Marg in the Civil Lines area of the national capital, will also be secured by the VIP Security Group (VSG) of the paramilitary force that also protects Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family of the Congress party.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) took charge of the Delhi chief minister’s security on Thursday following the direction of the Union Home Ministry.
The decision came a day after Ms Gupta was allegedly attacked while interacting with citizens during a ‘Jan Sunvai’ event. The incident raised concerns about her safety, especially given the politically charged environment in the national capital.
Earlier, the Delhi Police was providing security to the Delhi CM. Z-category security is one of the highest levels of protection provided by the Central Government and typically includes an escort of more than 20 personnel, along with close proximity guards, drivers, and escort vehicles. It is accorded only to individuals facing a high threat perception.
Ms. Gupta, who assumed office as Delhi Chief Minister on February 20 this year, has been holding frequent ‘Jan Sunvai’ sessions as part of her public outreach programme. Security agencies had already been reviewing her threat perception, and Wednesday’s (August 20) incident prompted the Centre to upgrade her protection level immediately.
This move underscores the government’s concern over the safety of top political figures, particularly in light of recent episodes of violence targeting elected representatives.
Meanwhile, the accused in the case, Rajesh Khimji, has been sent to five days of police remand on Wednesday (August 20) after being produced in a Delhi court earlier. A case has been registered under section 109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Attempt to murder, Imprisonment for 10 years, and fine) against the accused. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell team interrogated the accused on Wednesday (August 20).
According to police, Khimji came to Delhi for the first time from Rajkot by train on Tuesday (August 19) morning, and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines. Khimji’s mother, Bhanuben, said that her son acted out of his love for dogs. She appealed to the Chief Minister for forgiveness, explaining that her family is poor. She shared that Mr. Khimji, a rickshaw driver, was upset after seeing videos of dogs being taken away in Delhi and had left home, saying he was going to Ujjain.
