NEW DELHI — In a swift and decisive move following a shocking security breach, the Central government has upgraded Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s security cover to Z-category protection. The responsibility for her safety has been formally handed over to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which took charge from the Delhi Police early on Thursday. This decision comes after Gupta was allegedly attacked during a ‘Jan Sunvai’ (public grievance hearing) session on Wednesday, raising serious questions about the safety of high-profile political figures in the national capital.
The assault on Chief Minister Gupta took place as she was interacting with citizens at her weekly public hearing. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, highlighted the vulnerabilities of public outreach programmes and the heightened threat perception faced by leaders. While Delhi Police had previously been managing her security, the Centre’s immediate intervention places her under one of the highest levels of protection in the country.
Z-category security typically involves a robust team of more than 20 personnel, including close guards, drivers, and escort vehicles, ensuring round-the-clock vigilance. With the new deployment, additional personnel have been stationed in and around her residence and office. Rekha Gupta, who assumed office on February 20, has been a strong proponent of public-facing interactions like the ‘Jan Sunvai’ sessions to connect directly with the citizens.
The incident has accelerated an ongoing review of her threat perception by security agencies. The Centre’s move signals a serious commitment to addressing the safety of elected representatives, especially in the wake of recent attacks on political figures across the country. Meanwhile, the accused, Rajesh Khimji, who was apprehended at the scene, was produced before a Delhi court on Wednesday and has been remanded to five days in police custody for further investigation.
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