Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan gets lethal Z+ category security; CoBRA commandos, 55 officers, bulletproof vehicle on list

NEW DELHI: Union Home Ministry has provided Z+ CRPF security to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The decision comes in the wake of repeated security breaches and protests in the Governor's itinerary. On Saturday, Governor confronted SFI workers in Nilamel after the workers hit his vehicle while police looked helpless.

The governor announced the news of Z+ CRPF security on his official X page. Raj Bhavan sources informed that following today's protest, the Prime Minister's office called the Governor and inquired about the matter. It is reported that Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called Raj Bhavan to learn about the happenings.

Raj Bhavan had handed over the details of the FIR registered against the SFI activists to the Centre. The Governor had also informed that a report would be given to the Center about the protest that took place today.

Hitherto, it was the duty of Kerala police to arrange the security cordon for Governor Arif Khan. And now, deemed as a huge setback to the state government, a battalion of Z+ category officers will arrive in the state to ensure the Governor's protection.

A total of 55 officers with one bulletproof vehicle will be introduced in the Governor’s cavalcade. The Z+ category is second only to the SPG category in the country. In India, only 49 people are entitled to Z+ category protection. The home ministry will also consider assigning NSG commandos to Kerala to ensure Governor's protection.