Centre Accords 'Z+' Security Cover To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Bhagwant Mann Security: The security cover of the Punjab CM was increased following the arrest of Khalistani leader and radical preacher Amritpal Singh.

Bhagwant Mann Security: The Centre on Thursday accorded 'Z+' CRPF security to Punjab Chief MInister Bhagwant Mann. Sources told ABP News that the security cover of the Punjab CM was increased following the arrest of Khalistani leader and radical preacher Amritpal Singh.

The AAP leader will be secured by the VIP protection squad of the CRPF. The 'Z+' cover will be provided to Mann all across India, the Home Ministry said.

The security cover, apart from the Punjab Police protection, will be deployed outside the Chief Minister's residence and will also secure immediate family members.

Officials told PTI such a security cover for Mann was recommended by the central intelligence and security agencies during the preparation of a "threat perception analysis" report of the Punjab CM in the wake of Khalistani activities in the border state.

Security cover is accorded by the Home Ministry to recognised personalities whose lives are at "threat" owing to their work or popularity. The different categories of security covers are: X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z+, and SPG (Special Protection Group). The SPG cover is meant only for the prime minister and his immediate family.

The 'Z+' cover entails a force of 55 personnel, including NSG commandos and police personnel.

Last year, the Centre had upgraded the security cover of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani to 'Z+' after a review of perceived threat perception to him by central intelligence and security agencies.

The crackdown on radical preacher Amritpal Singh was closely coordinated between the Mann government and Central agencies.

Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De -- a pro-Khalistan outfit floated by actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu, was arrested on April 23 after being on the run for over a month. He was taken into police custody from Moga's Rode village in Punjab and is presently lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail.

The mega operation to crack down Khalistani supporters was launched after Mann held a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on March 2 -- a rare instance where the AAP and the BJP-led Centre forged a working relationship despite being engaged in constant tussle in Delhi over a host of issues.