Months after taking over the security of VVIPs like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi and other dignitaries, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has created a new VIP security wing, which will only look after security-related matters. The wing will function from Delhi and an Inspector General level officer will handle this wing. The CRPF had asked for a separate VIP sector headquarter and a range along with a training centre in its proposal.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in its order issued in November last year had withdrawn the SPG protection from Gandhi family and their security was given to the CRPF. During initial days, CRPF, as well as some Gandhi family, faced issues with each other, especially when an unauthorised car entered into the residence of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The matter escalated and Home Minister Amit Shah had to give a statement in Parliament. After these incidents, CRPF floated a proposal of having a separate Security Wing dedicated for VVIP security.
“In pursuance of the review meeting of Home Minister of India, a self-contained proposal for the creation of a separate VIP Security Sector HQ, VIP Security Range and VIP Security Training Centre (VSTC) for setting up of a permanent infrastructure was submitted to MHA,” CRPF DG office said in its letter. According to the letter, the MHA has advised the CRPF to establish the VIP Security Wing with the existing manpower.
“Keeping in view the MHA’s direction, it is decided to start the functioning of an independent VIP Security Wing headed by IG Rank officer duly assisted by one DIG and other corresponding staff under the supervision of ADG (HQ and Ops) Directorate. Accordingly, VIP Security Wing is created in the CRPF Directorate on an ad-hoc basis at RK Puram, New Delhi,” said the CRPF.
Prior to this, IG, Intelligence, was handling VIP security. “One of the existing posts of IG will be converted into IG, VIP Security Wing. He will exercise all statutory and financial powers,” said the CRPF. The CRPF has also withdrawn the administrative control over 5 VIP Security Battalions, Range Noida and GC, CRPF, Greater Noida presently being exercised by IG Northern Sector.
