The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has strengthened RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's security by raising it to a more robust Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) protocol.
Bhagwat, who was already provided the Z+ security, joins the list of Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra who get Z+ security with ASL.
Bhagwat's Z-plus security involved officers and guards on deputation from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). However, his security was enhanced to the ASL level over growing concerns regarding his safety.
PTI quoting official sources said that the central intelligence agencies found that a procedure called Advance Security Liaison (ASL) for the RSS chief was not being done uniformly and hence it was decided that he would be provided a security cover all across the country and notify it as a regular and mandatory exercise for Bhagwat.
What Does ASL Security Involve?
Under the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL), local agencies like the district administrations, police, health departments and other departments related to the security and safety of the protectee play an active role.
The strategy involves multi-layered security rings, stringent anti-sabotage measures and comprehensive pre-visit reviews and rehearsals.
The security entourage under the ASL also ensures anti-sabotage checking and sanitises the venue well in advance in close coordination with local police, as per reports. An advance team of the CISF 'special security group' (SSG) will carry out reconnaissance of the venues supposed to be visited by the RSS chief along with local police and administration authorities at all times.
This means that the before an event, the security force that is providing security will conduct thorough assessment of the locations where the protectee will be present to identify and mitigate potential security risks.