Tensions Rise Between Delhi Police and CRPF Over Rahul Gandhi's Security
The ongoing protests led by Rahul Gandhi have sparked significant friction between the Delhi Police and the CRPF regarding security protocols.
Rahul Gandhi, a Z-plus protectee, faced multiple detentions during protests.
The CRPF and Delhi Police experienced logistical challenges while managing security.
Coordination issues between the two forces were evident during the confrontations.
Tensions escalated between the Delhi Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) amid ongoing protests led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The protests, part of a larger anti-SIR movement, have seen Gandhi detained twice in two days, raising concerns about the management of his security protocol as a Z-plus protectee. Sources indicate that the logistical challenges intensified during his transportation to holding centers, leading to confrontations between the two security forces.
The CRPF is responsible for Gandhi's protection, with armed commandos forming an inner security cordon around him during public appearances and protests. The situation became particularly volatile during the protests on Tuesday and Wednesday, where confrontations between Gandhi and the Delhi Police resulted in logistical friction when police attempted to remove him from protest sites. A CRPF officer noted that the clashes highlighted the difficulties faced by both forces in executing their respective duties.
On both days, the Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi and fellow MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also a Z-plus protectee, following their participation in protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The police, supported by the Rapid Action Force, forcibly dispersed the gatherings, leading to physical altercations as they attempted to transport the MPs. A security official from the Union home ministry described the situation as a catch-22 for both the police and CRPF commandos, who were caught between their responsibilities to protect the MPs and the police's need to enforce the law.
According to CRPF sources, the close-protection commandos, typically numbering between 10 to 12 armed personnel, are required to maintain a protective ring around their protectee at all times, even during police detentions. Security protocols dictate that the protectee should not be isolated from their security detail, regardless of local law enforcement actions. If a Z-plus protectee is detained, CRPF commanders are expected to coordinate with police officials to ensure safe transit while adhering to safety standards.
A former CRPF director-general emphasized the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between ensuring the safety of VIPs and allowing police to perform their duties. He noted that effective coordination between the commandos and police is crucial, a sentiment echoed by the recent protests where such coordination appeared lacking. During the protests, Gandhi was seen resisting police attempts to detain Congress workers, further complicating the situation. Priyanka Gandhi alleged that MPs were mistreated during the scuffles, highlighting the need for improved communication and cooperation between the two security forces.
