New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s security cover has been elevated from Z-plus to Advance Security Liaison (ASL), following a review by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The RSS chief was till now getting Z-plus security which involved officers and guards on deputation from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He has now been put under ASL (Advance Security Liaison) category. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also have ASL cover.
According to sources, the Home Ministry took the decision two weeks ago after reviewing the RSS chief’s secuirty which was purportedly found to be “slack” during his visits to non-BJP ruled states. Bhagwat is also on the hit list of many organisations including radical Islamic outfits, TOI reported. The MHA decided to upgrade Bhagwat’s secuirty based on inputs from various agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, regarding his heightened threat perception.
As per the ASL security protocol, the involvement of local agencies like the district administration, police, health and other departments is mandatory to ensure the security and safety of the protectee. This means, if an ASL protectee is scheduled to take part in a programme at some location, a team will visit the venue in advance to inspect the spot, and only after getting green signal, the protectee will be given permission to go there.
Additionally, helicopter travel is permitted only in specially designed helicopters and is subject to the stipulated protocol. The ASL protocol also mandates anti-sabotage checks and incorporates multi-layered security rings.