NEW DELHI: 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 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The security upgrade was done due to potential security gaps, especially in non-BJP states, sources said amid growing concern about his safety, as flagged by the Intelligence Bureau.
Earlier, under Z-plus security arrangement, he was in the supervision of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Bhagwat is considered a target by “several anti-Indian and radical Islamist groups”. The home ministry’s decision was finalised earlier this month.
Under the new protocol, local agencies including district administrations, police, and health departments will play an active role in Bhagwat’s security.
The strategy involves multi-layered security rings, stringent anti-sabotage measures, and comprehensive pre-visit reviews and rehearsals.
This decision underscores the MHA’s commitment towards bolstering safety for high-profile figures amid evolving security threats, ensuring that Bhagwat’s accommodations, travel, and public engagements are safeguarded with utmost vigilance.