Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (File photo)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Monday has significantly enhanced security arrangements for chief minister Rekha Gupta in the wake of recent attack on her. Forty personnel will now be permanently deployed for her protection and visitors will undergo multiple friskings before being allowed entry to any of her events.Initially, the Union home ministry had directed the CRPF to provide Z-category security cover to the chief minister. However, this arrangement has been withdrawn and the Delhi Police has taken over her protection, upgrading it to Z+ cover with additional personnel.”Over 40 personnel will always be there to guard the CM. A robust security arrangement has been put in place for the Delhi CM. Stringent checks will be carried out in all her programmes,” a senior police officer said.The security measures cover Gupta’s ‘Jan Sunwai’ programmes, where she was attacked on August 20 at her Civil Lines camp office.”Every visitor will be thoroughly frisked and verified before entering the premises. We have designed a layered system of security so that no lapse is possible,” the officer added.The chief minister will now be guarded under a two-circle security system, entirely managed by the Delhi Police. The inner circle includes two armed bodyguards positioned slightly ahead of Gupta to shield her in case of any threat, while other bodyguards maintain a 360-degree vigil to identify risks early. The outer circle manages public access, frisking and crowd control during her events.The attack on Delhi CM has been described by her office as a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.” Investigations have made progress, with two arrests so far. The prime accused, Rajeshbhai Khimji, 41, an auto-rickshaw driver from Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly carried out the attack, while his associate Tehseen, who allegedly financed and coordinated the incident, has also been arrested.Police sources said Khimji did not act alone and had planned the attack with intent to harm the chief minister. “We are questioning over 10 people associated with Khimji. The motive is being investigated thoroughly, and more names may emerge as the investigation progresses,” a police officer involved in the probe said.Enhanced security will cover all Gupta’s public interactions, which often attract large crowds.”The safety of the chief minister cannot be compromised. We have drawn up strict guidelines for all her future programmes. From access control to the positioning of security personnel, everything will be closely monitored,” the officer added.
