Mukesh Ambani Covered Under ‘Z Plus Security’, Know About The VIP Cover Protecting The Industrialist

Reliance Industries Ltd chairman is protected under the 'Z' plus security category, one of the highest protections, the government provides to individuals seen as facing a threat.

Indian Industrialist Mukesh Ambani

In a security breach at one of the world’s richest industrialists Mukesh Ambani’s home, around 20 gelatin sticks have been discovered in a vehicle outside the billionaire’s south Mumbai home Antilla on Thursday.

The gelatin sticks, an explosive material with an apparently fake number plate was found in a car parked near Antilla which led to a massive mobilisation by the Mumbai Police to track the culprits.

What security cover offers protection to Reliance Industries chairman?

Industrialists, who are no less than celebrities, run a high risk of attracting miscreants. Hence, the security business has boomed in the past decades as business leaders gained visibility making them more vulnerable to security threats. Security agencies have become alert after the incident and providing the best security to the Amabanis.

Reliance Industries Ltd chairman is protected under the 'Z' plus security category, one of the highest protections, the government provides to individuals seen as facing a threat, as per the news agency ANI report. However, the entire cost of the security is paid by the industrialist.

In November 2020, the Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking withdrawal of Z+ security cover given to Mukesh Ambani and his family while observing that it is for the State to assess and revie the threat perception of individual and take a call on such issues, as per the report.

Typically, there are six categories of security cover ranging from X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z-plus to SPG (Special Protection Group).

This level of security requires 55 personnel to protect the individual. It is to be noted that NSG is used extensively to guard VIPs and VVIPs, especially those in the Z+ category. Many NSG personnel are seconded to SPG, which guards the Prime Minister.

While under Z category, 22 personnel are allotted for the security purpose, as per the Times of India report. Both Z+ and Z security covers also include an escort vehicle.

This year, under the Z+ security, there has been a new addition of 4 sparkling new Mercedes AMG G63 SUVs, as per Cartoq, and the combined value of security cars ads up to a total of Rs 10 crore. 

Who is responsible to provide the security?

Typically, the Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guards (NSG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are the agencies responsible for providing securities to VVIPs/VIPs/politicians/high-profile celebrities and sportspersons.

SPG commandos are usually provided for the security of the PM, former PMs and their immediate family members as part of the Z+ category of security cover. It also entails security cover by the Delhi Police or the ITBF or CRPF personnel and one escort car.

How many people are provided such covers?

As per the information shared by the government in the Lok Sabha almost 300 people have been given security under different covers in the central list.