Security threat: Centre grants Z-Plus security to Mallikarjun Kharge

NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry on Thursday granted Z-Plus security to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge across the country. The action came after the central agencies reported that there was a security threat to Kharge.

From now on, CRPF will provide security for the Congress president. 55 CRPF personnel have been deputed for this purpose. Kharge will be protected by CRPF in three shifts 24 hours a day. The Congress president will henceforth travel in a bullet-proof vehicle.

The Z-Plus is the highest category of security provided to a person of high threat perception in India. There are four categories of VIP security Z Plus, Z, Y and X -- depending on the threat perception analysis by the Intelligence Bureau.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also covered under the Z-Plus security with CRPF commandos. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan's security was also recently granted Z-Plus category security.