Centre Grants Z-Category Security To Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Day After Attack On Her
Z-security includes an escort of at least 20 security personnel, guards and is provided to those facing a high threat.
Published : August 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM IST
|Updated : August 21, 2025 at 7:16 PM IST
New Delhi: The Central government has accorded Z-category security cover of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following an attack on her during a public grievance hearing named 'Jan Sunvai' on Wednesday.
The CRPF personnel reached the Chief Minister's residence on Thursday morning to take charge of her security from the Delhi police. Sources told ETV Bharat that 20-22 CRPF personnel will provide Z-category security to Gupta. Additional deployment has also been made in and around the CM's residence and office to ensure round-the-clock protection.
The decision came a day after Gupta was allegedly attacked while interacting with citizens during a 'Jan Sunvai' event. The incident raised concerns about her safety, especially given the politically charged environment in the national capital. Till now, the Delhi Police has been providing security to the Delhi Chief Minister.
Z-category security is one of the highest levels of protection provided by the Central government and typically includes an escort of more than 20 personnel, along with close proximity guards, drivers, and escort vehicles. It is accorded only to individuals facing a high threat perception.
Gupta, who assumed office as Delhi Chief Minister on February 20 this year, has been holding frequent 'Jan Sunvai' sessions as part of her public outreach program. Security agencies had already been reviewing her threat perception, and Tuesday's incident prompted the Centre to upgrade her protection level immediately.
Meanwhile, the accused Rajesh Khimji, who had attacked Gupta, has been sent to five days of police remand on Wednesday after being produced in a Delhi court earlier. A case has been registered under section 109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Attempt to murder, Imprisonment for 10 years, and fine) against the accused.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell team interrogated the accused on Wednesday. According to police, Rajesh Khimji came to Delhi for the first time from Rajkot by train on Tuesday morning, and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines. Khimji's mother, Bhanuben, said that her son acted out of his love for dogs. She appealed to the Chief Minister for forgiveness, explaining that her family is poor.
In India, security cover is categorised based on the level of threat perception. These categories include X, Y, Y+, Z, and Z+. Among them, Z and Z+ represent the highest levels of protection, though they differ significantly in terms of manpower and coverage.
Z Category Security
This category involves 22 security personnel, including four to five National Security Guard (NSG) or Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos, along with policemen. It also comes with an escort vehicle. The security is usually provided by the Delhi Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), or CRPF. This category of security is given to those individuals who have a medium to high level of threat.
Z+ Category Security
The Z+ category is considered the highest level of protection in India, apart from the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is reserved exclusively for the Prime Minister. It comprises 55 security personnel, including more than 10 NSG commandos and policemen.
This cover includes bulletproof vehicles, three-shift escorts, and additional reinforcements if required. The commandos are equipped with modern weapons and advanced communication systems. The Z+ category is reserved for individuals facing serious, life-threatening risks. It is generally provided to top leaders such as the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and several Chief Ministers.
How Security is Decided
The level of security is determined by threat assessment reports prepared by central intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). These agencies periodically review the risks faced by individuals, based on which security can be increased, reduced, or withdrawn.
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