By Ankur Sharma,News18

Copyright news18

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which provides security cover to almost all VVIPs in the country, has found itself in the middle of a political slugfest after reports surfaced alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi breached security protocols during his foreign visits.
The BJP, citing media reports that refer to letters written by the CRPF, has accused Gandhi of flouting established security norms during trips to countries including Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia. The Congress, however, dismissed the charge, questioning the “timing and public release” of the letter, which it said coincided with Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing ‘vote chori’ campaign against the ruling party.
How CRPF Security Protocols Work
According to former CRPF chiefs, the force has a “well-oiled mechanism” and established protocols for VIP security, but its mandate is limited to Indian soil. CRPF gives protection till the airport and takes charge from the airport after the protectee traveling abroad arrives back. All the former officials didn’t wish to be named.
“Normally, a protectee gets security from airport to airport. This means if the protectee is flying abroad, he has to inform his departure and arrival details to the CRPF. Protection is given till the aircraft at departure, and resumed upon arrival,” a former CRPF Director General (DG) told News18.
Another former DG clarified that the CRPF “plays no role in security abroad.” In cases of high-risk individuals, the CRPF alerts the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which may coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or other relevant authorities, depending on the situation. The country where protectee arrival is scheduled provides security to the high risk protectee,” the former DG told News18 over phone.
For protectees like Rahul Gandhi, who is provided Z+ ASL security, an advance team visits the location beforehand to assess and secure the area. The team inspects all entry and exit points, reviews other critical security aspects, and addresses any concerns well before the protectee’s arrival. In cases where plans are made at short notice, a communication is sent to the local police, and the CRPF coordinates closely with them.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also has the same level of protection category.
Communication with Protectees
Former officials also highlighted how security concerns are communicated to protectees. “Whenever there are multiple or serious security concerns, the CRPF writes a letter. A copy is marked to the protectee and to the MHA. Sometimes only the MHA is informed, depending on the gravity of the incident,” a former DG said.
A retired Inspector General (IG) who once led the VS wing explained that while some of these communications are periodic, most are incident-based. “Often, a senior officer meets the protectee directly to raise concerns. But at times it becomes important to put it on record through an official letter,” the former IG said.
Protectees often understand the concerns
Former Directors General of the force told News18 that it is rare for any protectee to ignore the CRPF’s concerns.
Sharing an example, one former DG said, “The government had granted security cover to a senior opposition leader from the south. Initially, he refused to accept it and continued moving around without protection. Later, a top level CRPF officer met him personally and explained that he must share his schedule with the force, since his safety had now become the responsibility of the state. Opposition leaders often hesitate to share such details, but these are the professional challenges we deal with.”
Another DG, while speaking about protectees from opposition parties, said, “Obviously, it is tough for the force to handle opposition leaders. They sometimes don’t share their travel details, but the CRPF manages it as a routine affair. All protectees cooperate with the forces,” the former DG added.
CRPF Maintains Silence
When contacted by News18 about the letter that is being quoted in the media, the CRPF declined to comment. The force has maintained silence, and a formal response to queries is awaited. Neither CRPF DG GP Singh nor PRO responded to the query sent by News18 over the issue.
Rahul Gandhi’s Security Cover
Rahul Gandhi, who frequently travels abroad for personal and political engagements, enjoys the highest level of security — ‘Z-plus’ category. His cover includes a team of 10–12 armed CRPF commandos, as well as Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) measures such as reconnaissance of venues and coordination with local authorities.
As the political row intensifies, experts note that while the CRPF’s responsibility ends at the airport gate, its official communication about security lapses carries significant weight, particularly when questions are raised about a protectee’s adherence to protocol.