Gyanesh Kumar’s Z+ security upgraded as protests spread to CEC’s Delhi, Agra homes

The Centre has further strengthened Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s existing Z+ security cover amid protests over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with additional personnel deployed around his residence, at the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters and as part of his personal protection.

The heightened security comes after protesters managed to trace Kumar’s residence in Delhi and demonstrations were also held outside his family’s residence in Agra, according to officials familiar with the security arrangements. The protests have continued to intensify, with Opposition parties and other groups demanding Kumar’s resignation over their allegations concerning the SIR exercise.

Security tightened after protests near residences

A senior police officer said security agencies reassessed the threat after protesters reached Kumar’s residence and another demonstration was held outside his family home in Agra.

“The protesters managed to trace his house. There was another protest outside his family’s house in Agra. We had to assess all the threats and increase the security cover. We had also placed a few pickets near his house,” the officer said.

The Indian Youth Congress confirmed that it had staged a protest near Kumar’s Delhi residence on September 27, demanding his resignation. Police and security personnel intervened and stopped the protesters.

Security personnel at New Moti Bagh, where Kumar resides, said on Wednesday that the arrangements had been stepped up following the protests. One staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some protesters had attempted to enter the colony and had come close to the CEC’s residence.

“We have upped paramilitary safety here,” the staff member said.

The increased deployment is particularly visible inside the colony. Another staff member said police vehicles remain stationed there around the clock, while commandos are regularly seen outside Kumar’s house.

“We have never seen so much security here,” the staff member said.

A second colony employee said security personnel do not routinely question residents but check identification documents and the purpose of entry for new visitors. A bus carrying paramilitary personnel is also stationed outside the colony, the employee said.

CEC already had Z+ cover

Delhi Police officials familiar with the arrangements confirmed that Kumar had been provided Z+ security even before the latest enhancement. They said Chief Election Commissioners receive Z-category security.

According to a senior police officer, Z+ protection involves more than 55 security personnel drawn from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police. The arrangement includes round-the-clock personal security officers, along with watchers, guards and a close-protection team.

The security is organised in multiple layers, with different personnel responsible for surveillance, guarding and close protection.

The latest strengthening follows protests at Kumar’s Agra residence as well. Congress workers demonstrated outside his parental home there on September 28 as part of the wider campaign against the ECI and the SIR exercise. The protesters painted slogans on the gate, and police subsequently removed them. Two Congress leaders were arrested following the demonstration.

ECI headquarters also gets more personnel

Security has also been reinforced at Nirvachan Sadan, the ECI headquarters on Ashoka Road in central Delhi.

Officials aware of the arrangements said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for security within the complex, has increased its deployment substantially.

Until recently, CISF personnel were responsible for guarding the building’s entry and exit points, perimeter and overall security. An official said more CISF personnel had now been positioned inside the complex.

Additional forces have also been deployed outside Nirvachan Sadan. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police have been stationed around the complex in recent days.

“The ECI office is also guarded more not because of Kumar but due to the protests there every day,” the first senior police officer said.

The heightened deployment comes as demonstrations against Kumar and the ECI have become a regular feature in Delhi. On October 6, INDIA bloc leaders and MPs attempted to march towards Nirvachan Sadan over the SIR process and their demand for Kumar’s resignation, amid heavy security arrangements in central Delhi.

The protests have since continued, with Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among those detained during demonstrations demanding Kumar’s resignation.