The Punjab Police was asked to remove its personnel from former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s security cover on Thursday. The security arrangement for Kejriwal, involving police personnel from two different states, was against the law, as per sources in the Delhi Police.
The development followed the intervention of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission.
But what exactly is the protocol for security cover in place for Arvind Kejriwal?
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive, Arvind Kejriwal has been provided Z-plus security by Delhi Police.
Details of Arvind Kejriwal’s security cover:
- A Delhi Police vehicle precedes Kejriwal’s car, carrying a Delhi Police driver and two armed personnel, sources said.
- Another Delhi Police vehicle follows Kejriwal’s car, also manned by a Delhi Police driver and two armed officers.
- Two personal security officers (PSOs) armed with advanced weapons are assigned to him; one in uniform and the other in civilian attire.
- A liaison officer from Delhi Police is responsible for tracking Kejriwal’s programs and coordinating with district police departments for route planning.
- At Kejriwal’s residence, Delhi Police personnel are stationed as guards. Each shift includes 10 personnel, with a total of around 40 personnel deployed in three shifts.
If Kejriwal travels to Punjab, Delhi Police officers can accompany him for up to 72 hours. Beyond this period, Punjab Police takes over security arrangements. If Delhi Police personnel stay beyond 72 hours, they must inform Punjab Police authorities.
Delhi Police sources revealed that over the past several days, Punjab Police deployed more than 10-12 armed personnel for Kejriwal’s security, which was in violation of the guidelines specified in the “Yellow Book,” a security protocol.
Sources also claimed that even if police from any other state provide security, in the event of an incident in Delhi, the responsibility would fall on Delhi Police, not the external force. Therefore, the security of the individual must be handled by the police force of the concerned state where the individual is stationed.
