22 armed personnel, ‘D zone’ for every public meeting: Suvendu Adhikari’s security increased after Bangladesh threat | Kolkata News
After reports emerged of a potential attack being planned on BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by an Islamic fundamentalist group based in Bangladesh, the Centre has strengthened the security for the Leader of Opposition in Bengal.
A letter from the office of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata police to enhance the security of Adhikari. Adhikari receives Z+ security protection from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The updated security arrangements for the leader of Opposition include hourly monitoring of Adhikari’s movements. Additionally, Adhikari’s convoy will now consist of 22 armed personnel, and he will be travelling in bulletproof vehicles.
Furthermore, Adhikari will not exit his car during unscheduled stops, and all visitors approaching him will be frisked. A ‘D zone’ will also be designated for every public meeting.
According to sources, these measures will remain in effect until June 2025 or until the threat assessment of Adhikari is revised.
Adhikari previously received ‘Z’ category security only within the state of West Bengal, while he was provided with ‘Y+’ security in other states. Following a report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) indicating a threat to his life, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has now decided to extend ‘Z’ category security nationwide.
The ‘Z’ category security level is among the highest offered to VIPs in India. Under this security arrangement, Adhikari will be protected by an elite team of six or seven armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos and a pilot vehicle and escort vehicles. This protection will always be present during his tours, residence, office, and other locations.
Sources indicated that Intelligence Bureau (IB) officers received information about four people, reportedly connected to a Bangladesh-based group, who conducted reconnaissance in Contai, East Medinipur, where Adhikari resides. Last week, these four people allegedly visited the area to survey the surroundings and took photographs and videos of Adhikari’s residence.
In light of the current situation in Bangladesh, Adhikari has been very vocal about the atrocities faced by Hindu minorities. His remarks against the current government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, were seen as potential triggers for him being allegedly targeted.
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