Amidst the tussle of words between Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut, the actress has been granted Y category security by the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA).
The decision to provide Y security to Kangana came after she announced that she is planning to visit Mumbai on September 9. Notably, she is the first Bollywood actor who will be guarded by CRPF commandos.
Whilst a lot of debate is going on social media over the issue, let’s have a look at the types of security which is provided in our country and under what circumstances.
In India, depending on the threat perception to the person, security is provided to high-risk individuals by the police and local government The individuals who get these security blanket mainly include Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, High Court and Supreme Court judges, top politicians.
They are provided security cover under one or the other categories by the NSG (National Security Guards), CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and state police.
Here are the different categories of security cover provided to public figures in India:
Z Security
Z category security covers a security cover of 22 personnel, which includes, four or five National Security Guard (NSG) commandos. The extra security is provided by the Delhi police or the CRPF and one escort car. The commandos are armed with submachine guns and modern communication equipment. Besides this, they are well trained in martial arts and unarmed combat skills. Around 60 VIPs are under this security cover.
Z+ Security
Considered second to SPG category, under the security category of Z+, 36 personnel including more than 10 NSG commandos are provided. The commandos are equipped with advanced weapons and the latest gadgets and gizmos. This security cover has been given to around 25 VVIPs.
Y Security
The VIPs who come under this security cover are provided with 11 security personnel. Y security includes one or two commandos and two PSOs. Fewer than five VIPs are currently provided this security cover.
X Security
Only two personnel provide security under this category. X security entails the most basic protection. There are around 70 VIPs who are provided with this security.
Special Protection Group (SPG)
The strength of the SPG is kept classified and it used to be provided to the current and former Prime Ministers of India and their immediate family members. The SPG was formed in 1988 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
Only five people – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Former PM Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi – in the country were earlier provided with this security cover. But now only PM Modi has SPG protection.
Interesting, isn’t it? Do you think providing security to Kangana with the taxpayer’s money was justified? Do you think Bollywood is overrated in a country like ours? We would love to know your thoughts, comment down below.
