 Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 11: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has expressed serious concerns over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s alleged breaches of security protocols during his foreign visits. The CRPF’s apprehensions stem from repeated instances where Gandhi reportedly failed to inform his security team prior to traveling abroad, creating operational challenges for the force tasked with ensuring his safety.
A letter sent by CRPF’s VVIP Security Chief, Sunil June, to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge outlines these concerns in detail. According to the communication dated September 10, Gandhi undertook six foreign trips over the past nine months—including visits to Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia—without prior intimation to the security agency. The lack of coordination reportedly hindered the CRPF’s ability to make necessary security arrangements, thereby exposing Gandhi to avoidable risks.
The letter further accuses Rahul Gandhi of not taking his security seriously despite being provided with Z+ protection, the highest level of security cover available to high-profile political figures. This cover, under the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) framework, requires detailed coordination with district administrations, state police forces, and other agencies to ensure seamless protection.
The issue gained wider attention following Gandhi’s recent visit to Rae Bareli, where his convoy was obstructed for nearly 15 minutes by protesting BJP workers chanting slogans against him. Though the situation was resolved by local police, it highlighted how lapses in security planning could escalate threats to his safety.
Reacting to the CRPF’s move, Congress strongly criticized the allegations. Pawan Khera, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), questioned the timing of the letter’s release and its sudden public disclosure. Speaking on social media platform X, Khera suggested that the letter may have been an attempt to intimidate Gandhi, who has been actively campaigning against alleged electoral irregularities by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He raised concerns that the move could be aimed at silencing Gandhi ahead of his planned exposés.
The CRPF’s communication has brought security protocol compliance back into the spotlight, while the political debate continues over whether the matter is a legitimate concern or an orchestrated effort to target a prominent opposition leader. |
