New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has raised concerns over alleged breaches of security protocol by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his movements, according to official sources.
Gandhi, 55, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, receives ‘Z plus (ASL)’ armed protection from the CRPF’s VIP security wing. Around 10–12 commandos provide close protection whenever he is on the move. As part of the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL), the force conducts advance reconnaissance of locations Gandhi plans to visit.
Sources said the CRPF’s VIP unit has sent a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge noting instances of “unscheduled movements without intimation” by Gandhi, both during domestic visits and prior to international travel. They clarified that such communications are routine and have been issued in the past in the context of Gandhi’s security.
The force highlighted that unannounced movements increase the risk to a “high-risk” VIP and stressed that the protectee and his staff must strictly adhere to established security guidelines. The CRPF has also shared the protocols outlined in the central government’s ‘yellow book’ for VIP security, emphasizing the importance of keeping the security team informed at all times.
