CRPF takes over Gandhis’ security

New Delhi, November 11

The CRPF took over the security duties of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka today after the Union Government withdrew their SPG cover last week, officials said.

A contingent of commandos of the central paramilitary force armed with Israeli X-95, AK series and MP-5 guns took over the task at Sonia Gandhi’s 10, Janpath, residence, they said.

A similar squad has been placed at the residence of former Congress president and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi at Tughlaq Lane and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s house in Lodhi Estate.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which has a special VVIP security unit, has been asked to provide a ‘Z+’ cover to the Gandhi family on an all-India basis by the Union Home Ministry after the Special Protection Group (SPG) security was removed.

As per the authorisation approved by the Home Ministry, officials said the new CRPF cover provided for an advanced security liaison drill for the three VVIPs that would enable commandos to conduct an advance reconnaissance of the venues and area to be visited by them. — PTI