Following a directive from the Union Home Ministry, the Delhi Police has provided Z-Plus category security cover to the newly-appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.
Nearly 33 armed Delhi Police commandos will be stationed at the CDS’ residence and accompany him during his travels. “CDS General Chauhan has been provided with Z-Plus security on the MHA’s order,” confirmed a senior police officer.
Gen Chauhan, a former Eastern Army Commander, took charge as the CDS over nine months after CDS Gen Rawat died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. The CDS is also the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters as well as head of the Department of Military Affairs as Secretary. He is also the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. For the first time, a three-star retired officer has been appointed to hold a four-star rank office.
Born on May 18, 1961, Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. The Z-Plus security cover, highest category after the Special Security Group that secures the Prime Minister, will comprise pilot/escort, close protection team of armed commandos, home guard, spotter, search-and-frisking staff.
Each person in the Z Plus security cover has received expert martial arts/unarmed combat training as also armed combat drills. They will carry high-end weapons and communication gadgets as part of the security detail.
