The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has significantly upgraded the security for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, elevating him to the status of an Advance Security Liaison (ASL) protectee, a designation equivalent to that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The security upgrade was implemented due to potential security gaps, particularly in non-BJP states, sources said, amid growing concerns about his safety, as flagged by the Intelligence Bureau.
Earlier, under the Z-plus security arrangement, Bhagwat was under the supervision of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He is considered a target by “several anti-Indian and radical Islamist groups.” The home ministry’s decision was finalized earlier this month.
Under the new protocol, local agencies, including district administrations, police, and health departments, will take an active role in Bhagwat’s security.
The strategy includes multi-layered security rings, stringent anti-sabotage measures, and thorough pre-visit reviews and rehearsals.
This decision underscores the MHA’s commitment to enhancing the safety of high-profile figures amid evolving security threats, ensuring that Bhagwat’s accommodations, travel, and public engagements are secured with the highest level of vigilance.