Govt Removes SPG Cover for Gandhis, Will Be Accorded Z+ Security

The Centre on Friday withdrew the Special Protection Group (SPG) security cover of the members of the Gandhi family--Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They will now be accorded Z+ security which will be provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after threat assessment was done from all agencies. According to the intelligence bureau, there is no direct threat to the Gandhi family.

In 1991, after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, it was decided to give SPG cover to former prime ministers also. The security cover of all former prime ministers were reviewed from time to time and downgraded whenever required.