Hours after attack, MHA directs CRPF to guard CM Rekha Gupta, specialised wing for VIPs in charge

Delhi CM has been ‘provided with a security detail under Z category’ and at least 30 CRPF commandos would work in shifts to keep her safe.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in New Delhi | ANI

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over the security of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), ThePrint has learnt.

Following the ministry’s directions, the force has assumed the security detail, effective from midnight between Wednesday and Thursday, sources aware of the development told ThePrint.

“She has been provided with a security detail under Z category,” an official in the know said.

The direction from the ministry came hours after Gupta was attacked at her residence early Wednesday by a man from Gujarat’s Rajkot, who is suspected to have been anguished over the possibility of action against stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.

Under the Z category security detail, Gupta will be protected by personnel from a specialised security wing for VIPs. A group of at least 30 CRPF commandos would work in shifts to keep her safe.

The CRPF is the largest security provider to VIPs in the country, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Around 7,000 of its troops are deployed for this duty.

The VIP security wing was raised in 2020 as a specialised unit under the CRPF and was further bolstered with an additional battalion at the start of this year. With this, the security wing has a total of seven battalions and 7,000 troops deployed round the clock to protect more than 200 VIPs.

Gupta was accorded Z+ security cover by the Delhi Police, starting this February when she was elected as Delhi CM. Under Z+ category, nearly 40 personnel, including static guards, CAPF personnel, commandos and watchers, were responsible for her security.

Meanwhile, the man who allegedly attacked Gupta, identified as Sakariya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, was rounded up by the CM’s security entourage before the police took him into custody for questioning.

Delhi Police said in a statement that an FIR has been filed against him under Sections 109(1), 132 and 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which correspond to charges of attempt to murder, assault or use of criminal force against public servant, and voluntarily obstructing public servant in discharge of duties, respectively.

(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)