25 armed commandos, watch tower, strict visitor checks: Delhi CM’s security tightened after CRPF takes over

The CM was holding a ‘Jan Sunwai’ (public meeting) at her Civil Lines Camp Office when she was allegedly attacked by the man from Gujarat, who posed as a complainant with a grievance, while talking to her. The accused, Rajesh Bhai Kimji Bhai Sakriya, 41, was arrested and sent to five-day police custody.

According to a source, the decision to hand over security to the CRPF was taken after an initial inquiry found major security lapses. “After taking charge, the CRPF is in discussions with all stakeholders and is planning to make changes to the protocol of meetings between complainants and Gupta,” the source said.

According to sources, a police personnel from the Vigilance Branch was among the first to respond when Gupta was attacked.

The CRPF will put in place new measures for the CM’s security. These include regulating access to her residence, deployment of security gadgets, and providing her proximate protection through male and female personal security officers (PSOs) when she attends a public meeting.

An official said that a meeting was held to review the CM’s security cover, which was attended by senior officers from the CRPF, Delhi police, and the Delhi government.

“Visitors will be frisked thoroughly before allowing them entry into the programmes. Verification of those attending will also be done. In the meeting, it was also discussed that a watch tower will be installed at the entrance to her residence, allowing security personnel to get a 360-degree view,” the official said.

Personnel from paramilitary forces have also been deployed outside her residence on Raj Niwas Marg.
Officials said the decision has been taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that security protocol is strengthened during interactions between the chief minister and the public.

“Complainants will not be allowed to directly approach the chief minister during Jan Sunwai sessions. Every complaint will first undergo verification before meeting the chief minister. A designated perimeter will also be created to ensure that visitors cannot come close to her,” the official added.

The CM will continue to have ‘Z-plus’ category from the Delhi Police Headquarters. The chief minister’s security cover is generally handled by the police’s security division, which is also responsible for providing security to other ministers.