Delhi CM attacked: Rekha Gupta’s security under review; Z+ ASL cover likely

NEW DELHI: Wednesday's attack on CM Rekha Gupta is likely to bring significant changes in her security set-up. The cover is being reviewed following the breach and it will be made more stringent after a threat assessment. Gupta, who has Z+ category security, may be accorded Z+ ASL, which comprises an advanced security liaison team, said sources. An inquiry is also being conducted to determine the lapses and whether all protocols were in place. A joint commissioner-rank officer at the police headquarters has been assigned the probe, an officer said.Henceforth, the search-and-frisk staff may be asked to verify visitors prior to their appointment with CM so that no criminal element could come close to her. The man who attacked her on Wednesday was involved in multiple cases. An additional barricade or partition may also be placed to ensure her safety, sources said.Gupta is already provided with 45 personnel, including pilot escort, personal security officers, house guards, checking staff and woman commandos. This, sources said, is provided as per the norms laid down in Yellow Book, which prescribes the security cover for constitutional posts. An ACP-rank officer is the security in-charge while three inspectors run the apparatus in eight-hour shifts. There are also door-frame metal detectors at her residence and a senior liaison officer from the security unit of Delhi Police conducts regular checks.Also read: Planned crime? First-time visitor in Delhi, how CM Rekha Gupta’s attacker plotted his moves; cops piece together activitiesFormer CMs Atishi and Arvind Kejriwal were also accorded Z+ security. Kejriwal also received additional protection with around 63 people guarding him following multiple attacks. Of them, 45-47 personnel were in his close protection team while 15 others were from Central Armed Police Force. In April 2014, an auto driver slapped Kejriwal in Sultanpuri. Two years later, in Jan 2016, a man threw ink on him while in April, another man hurled a shoe. In May 2019, he was targeted once again during a roadshow in Moti Nagar.