The Bihar government has revoked the top-tier Z-plus security cover provided to former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, irking the RJD leadership. Displeased with the government’s move, the Yadav family declined the new security detail and sent the newly assigned personnel away in protest.&nbsp;For many politicians in India, the Z-plus security has become a status symbol and a privilege they consider to be their natural right. Critics, however, argue that political leaders who claim to be messiahs of the poor, in fact, have no regard for the substantial public expenditure on enjoying the country’s highest level of VIP security, which is ultimately borne by taxpayers.&nbsp;<h2>What is Z+ security?</h2>&nbsp;Z+ security is the highest level of personal security cover that the government provides to individuals who are assessed to be under grave threat, including significant politicians, business tycoons, and celebrities. The central or state governments determine the allocation based on threat assessments.&nbsp;<h2>What does the Z+ security cover entail?</h2>&nbsp;Z+ security comprises an entourage of around 55 personnel from the country’s elite forces like the National Security Guard (NSG), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), besides state security officers.&nbsp;Besides the manpower, the security detail comes with an assortment of sophisticated gear and protocols designed to offer maximum protection.&nbsp;The security detail also includes multiple escort and pilot vehicles, jammers, and trailing vehicles to ensure complete mobility and communication security.&nbsp;<h2>How much does Z+ security cost</h2>&nbsp;Z+ security is extremely expensive, and the cost of deploying 55 or more trained commandos and personnel, along with vehicles, communication equipment, and logistical support, runs into several lakhs of rupees per month, though it may vary depending on specific requirements.The cost of Z+ security cover for an individual comes to around Rs 35 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per month.&nbsp;If the government provides Z+ security, as in the case of politicians, the cost is borne by the taxpayers.However, if a private individual like a businessman or celebrity requests security cover, they have to pay for the service.&nbsp;India’s business tycoon Mukesh Ambani pays for the Z-plus security cover provided by the government to him and his family. Similarly, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani pays for the Z category security cover provided to him.&nbsp;Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan also pays for his Y+ category security cover.

Z-plus security has become a status symbol and a privilege for many politicians who consider it to be their right. Critics, however, argue that politicians who claim to be messiahs of the poor have no regard for the huge expenditure on their security, which is ultimately borne by taxpayers.

The Bihar government has revoked the top-tier Z-plus security cover provided to former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, irking the RJD leadership. Displeased with the government’s move, the Yadav family declined the new security detail and sent the newly assigned personnel away in protest. For many politicians in India, the Z-plus security has become a status symbol and a privilege they consider to be their natural right. Critics, however, argue that political leaders who claim to be messiahs of the poor, in fact, have no regard for the substantial public expenditure on enjoying the country’s highest level of VIP security, which is ultimately borne by taxpayers. What is Z+ security? Z+ security is the highest level of personal security cover that the government provides to individuals who are assessed to be under grave threat, including significant politicians, business tycoons, and celebrities. The central or state governments determine the allocation based on threat assessments. What does the Z+ security cover entail? Z+ security comprises an entourage of around 55 personnel from the country’s elite forces like the National Security Guard (NSG), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), besides state security officers. Besides the manpower, the security detail comes with an assortment of sophisticated gear and protocols designed to offer maximum protection. The security detail also includes multiple escort and pilot vehicles, jammers, and trailing vehicles to ensure complete mobility and communication security. How much does Z+ security cost Z+ security is extremely expensive, and the cost of deploying 55 or more trained commandos and personnel, along with vehicles, communication equipment, and logistical support, runs into several lakhs of rupees per month, though it may vary depending on specific requirements. The cost of Z+ security cover for an individual comes to around Rs 35 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per month. If the government provides Z+ security, as in the case of politicians, the cost is borne by the taxpayers. However, if a private individual like a businessman or celebrity requests security cover, they have to pay for the service. India’s business tycoon Mukesh Ambani pays for the Z-plus security cover provided by the government to him and his family. Similarly, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani pays for the Z category security cover provided to him. Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan also pays for his Y+ category security cover.

Z-plus security has become a status symbol and a privilege for many politicians who consider it to be their right. Critics, however, argue that politicians who claim to be messiahs of the poor have no regard for the huge expenditure on their security, which is ultimately borne by taxpayers.

Govt withdraws Z-plus cover of Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi. How much does the VIP protection cost taxpayers?

Taking cognizance of the complaint, CRPF started the investigation on the alleged security breach in Congress General Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/politics-of-security-withdrawal-of-spg-cover-of-gandhis-260883">Priyanka Gandhi's </a>residence, as per sources.

A car drove into the high-security residence at the Lodhi estate without any prior appointment and sought selfies with Priyanka a week ago, as per Congress sources. Priyanka was present in his house at the time of the incident.&nbsp;

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Deepak Yadav, Additional DCP, New Delhi: No complaints received in the local Police Station regarding entry of any unauthorized vehicle in the house of Priyanka Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/OWSOnYOfZm">https://t.co/OWSOnYOfZm</a>
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Sources further said that an inquiry has been initiated by the CRPF for the security breach after a complaint was filed.&nbsp;

G Kishan Reddy, MoS Home Affairs said that he doesn't know the details of the security breach yet. "I don't know the details yet, I am coming from Lok Sabha. I will go and discuss the matter with my officers," Reddy said. &nbsp;

The incident came after the Centre recently withdrew the highest level Special Protection Group (SPG) protection given to the Gandhi family (Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra). The trio is now given Z+ security cover by the CRPF across India. &nbsp;The Central government said that the decision was taken after assessing that the threat perception to the family which has been lowered.&nbsp;

The Gandhis had been under the highest security ever since the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 by terror groups from Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Taking cognizance of the complaint, CRPF started the investigation on the alleged security breach in Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's residence, as per sources.

Taking cognizance of the complaint, CRPF started the investigation on the alleged security breach in Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's residence, as per sources. A car drove into the high-security residence at the Lodhi estate without any prior appointment and sought selfies with Priyanka a week ago, as per Congress sources. Priyanka was present in his house at the time of the incident. Deepak Yadav, Additional DCP, New Delhi: No complaints received in the local Police Station regarding entry of any unauthorized vehicle in the house of Priyanka Gandhi. https://t.co/OWSOnYOfZm — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2019 × Sources further said that an inquiry has been initiated by the CRPF for the security breach after a complaint was filed. G Kishan Reddy, MoS Home Affairs said that he doesn't know the details of the security breach yet. "I don't know the details yet, I am coming from Lok Sabha. I will go and discuss the matter with my officers," Reddy said. The incident came after the Centre recently withdrew the highest level Special Protection Group (SPG) protection given to the Gandhi family (Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra). The trio is now given Z+ security cover by the CRPF across India. The Central government said that the decision was taken after assessing that the threat perception to the family which has been lowered. The Gandhis had been under the highest security ever since the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 by terror groups from Sri Lanka. (with inputs from agencies)

CRPF launches probe following security breach at Priyanka Gandhi's residence

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said.&nbsp;

The decision was taken after a thorough review of the threat perception of IAF chief Air Marshal B S Dhanoa and chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in the wake of heightened tension with Pakistan.

The chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will be given the Z-plus security, a government official said.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has already been given the Z-plus security.

The official, however, said close proximity security of the chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will continue to be given by the commandos of the respective forces, and the peripheral security will be given by the central and state security agencies.

&nbsp;Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s.

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said.

The chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Navy will get Z-plus security cover after a fresh assessment of their threat perception by the security agencies, officials said. The decision was taken after a thorough review of the threat perception of IAF chief Air Marshal B S Dhanoa and chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in the wake of heightened tension with Pakistan. The chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will be given the Z-plus security, a government official said. Army chief General Bipin Rawat has already been given the Z-plus security. The official, however, said close proximity security of the chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff will continue to be given by the commandos of the respective forces, and the peripheral security will be given by the central and state security agencies. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s.

Chiefs of Air and Naval staffs to get Z-plus security

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad&#39;s international working president Pravin Togadia was found unconscious Monday evening in Ahmedabad&#39;s Shahibaug.

News reports said he has been admitted to Chandramani Hospital in Shahibaug, and that he was suffering from low blood sugar.

Togadia had gone &quot;untraceable&quot; in the morning when a contingent of Rajasthan Police had arrived in the city to arrest him in an old case, officials said.

Rajsthan Police had formed four teams to locate the Hindutva leader, a &#39;Z plus&#39; category protectee.

VHP spokesperson Jay Shah claimed Togadia had been detained by Rajasthan Police, which the latter denied.

The mystery over Togadia&#39;s disappearance had deepened through the day with a senior police officer maintaining that neither the local Sola police nor Rajasthan Police had arrested him.

Sola police station officials said a team of Rajasthan Police did visit them today to execute an arrest warrant against Togadia under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC, but could not find him at his residence.

According to a senior Crime Branch officer, Togadia, a resident of Thaltej area in the city, boarded an auto-rickshaw from the VHP headquarters in Paldi area this morning and had been untraceable since.

Addressing a press conference this evening, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) J K Bhatt said neither the Sola police nor the Gangapur police in Rajasthan has arrested Togadia.

&quot;The Rajasthan Police went to Togadia&#39;s residence in Thaltej area with the Sola Police to execute an arrest warrant (at around 10:45 AM) this morning. But, Togadia was not found there. However, VHP workers thought that he was arrested, which is not true,&quot; Bhatt told reporters.

Citing the investigation by the crime branch, the officer said Togadia was present at the VHP state headquarters in Paldi area of the city since last night.

&quot;A SRP (State Reserve Police) jawan, who was deployed outside the VHP office, told us that Togadia and a bearded man called an auto-rickshaw and left the office at around 10:45 am Before leaving, Togadia told the security staff the he will be back within 30 minutes. We have formed four teams to trace him,&quot; the JCP said.

VHP workers also held protests in different parts of Ahmedabad and Surat demanding that the &quot;missing&quot; leader be traced soon.

VHP workers gheraoed the Sola police station, shouted slogans, and blocked traffic on the main Sarkehj-Gandhinagar highway, demanding that the police immediately locate Togadia.

&quot;Our International Working President Pravin Togadia is missing since 10 am today. The responsibility for his whereabouts and security lies with the administration,&quot; the VHP&#39;s Gujarat unit general secretary Ranchod Bharwad told reporters.

He said it was not yet confirmed weather Togadia was arrested or not.

Later, another group of VHP workers blocked the busy Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway, but police broke up the protest.

Similar protests were held in Paldi area here and in Surat city during the evening.

In Paldi, VHP workers blocked roads and damaged some buses. The situation was brought under control after police rushed to the spot.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Rajasthan Police had arrived in the city Monday morning to arrest him in an old case

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's international working president Pravin Togadia was found unconscious Monday evening in Ahmedabad's Shahibaug. News reports said he has been admitted to Chandramani Hospital in Shahibaug, and that he was suffering from low blood sugar. Togadia had gone "untraceable" in the morning when a contingent of Rajasthan Police had arrived in the city to arrest him in an old case, officials said. Rajsthan Police had formed four teams to locate the Hindutva leader, a 'Z plus' category protectee. VHP spokesperson Jay Shah claimed Togadia had been detained by Rajasthan Police, which the latter denied. The mystery over Togadia's disappearance had deepened through the day with a senior police officer maintaining that neither the local Sola police nor Rajasthan Police had arrested him. Sola police station officials said a team of Rajasthan Police did visit them today to execute an arrest warrant against Togadia under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC, but could not find him at his residence. According to a senior Crime Branch officer, Togadia, a resident of Thaltej area in the city, boarded an auto-rickshaw from the VHP headquarters in Paldi area this morning and had been untraceable since. Addressing a press conference this evening, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) J K Bhatt said neither the Sola police nor the Gangapur police in Rajasthan has arrested Togadia. "The Rajasthan Police went to Togadia's residence in Thaltej area with the Sola Police to execute an arrest warrant (at around 10:45 AM) this morning. But, Togadia was not found there. However, VHP workers thought that he was arrested, which is not true," Bhatt told reporters. Citing the investigation by the crime branch, the officer said Togadia was present at the VHP state headquarters in Paldi area of the city since last night. "A SRP (State Reserve Police) jawan, who was deployed outside the VHP office, told us that Togadia and a bearded man called an auto-rickshaw and left the office at around 10:45 am Before leaving, Togadia told the security staff the he will be back within 30 minutes. We have formed four teams to trace him," the JCP said. VHP workers also held protests in different parts of Ahmedabad and Surat demanding that the "missing" leader be traced soon. VHP workers gheraoed the Sola police station, shouted slogans, and blocked traffic on the main Sarkehj-Gandhinagar highway, demanding that the police immediately locate Togadia. "Our International Working President Pravin Togadia is missing since 10 am today. The responsibility for his whereabouts and security lies with the administration," the VHP's Gujarat unit general secretary Ranchod Bharwad told reporters. He said it was not yet confirmed weather Togadia was arrested or not. Later, another group of VHP workers blocked the busy Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway, but police broke up the protest. Similar protests were held in Paldi area here and in Surat city during the evening. In Paldi, VHP workers blocked roads and damaged some buses. The situation was brought under control after police rushed to the spot. (With inputs from PTI)

'Untraceable' since Monday morning, VHP's Pravin Togadia found unconscious in Ahmedabad

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Govt withdraws Z-plus cover of Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi. How much does the VIP protection cost taxpayers?

CRPF launches probe following security breach at Priyanka Gandhi's residence

Chiefs of Air and Naval staffs to get Z-plus security

'Untraceable' since Monday morning, VHP's Pravin Togadia found unconscious in Ahmedabad