The assassination of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and member of Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sent shockwaves through India. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night in Mumbai, is particularly disturbing given that Siddique was under ‘Y’ category security, a level of protection designed to shield individuals from significant threats.
Siddique was shot near Nirmal Nagar in Bandra and succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati Hospital. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and political uproar, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the government. The Congress party, in particular, has called for the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, questioning how the government can protect ordinary citizens if they cannot even safeguard a political leader with ‘Y’ category security.
The ‘Y’ category is one of several security levels provided in India, with the level of protection determined by the threat assessment conducted by intelligence agencies. The security levels, in ascending order, are X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z-plus, and the Special Protection Group (SPG), according to the Bureau of Police Research and Development of the Union Home Ministry. Let’s delve into the specifics of each security level:
Special Protection Group (SPG):
This elite security force is responsible for safeguarding the Prime Minister and their immediate family members. Established in 1988, the SPG consists of 3,000 highly trained personnel, including a specialized canine unit. The group was formed in response to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1985. While previously extending protection to former Prime Ministers and their families, the 2019 amendment to the SPG Act limited its coverage to only the incumbent Prime Minister and their immediate family.Z-plus and Z-category:
The Z-plus category, the second highest level of security after the SPG, is assigned to individuals facing substantial threats, including prominent politicians, business leaders, and other VIPs. Under Z-plus security, individuals are protected 24/7 by at least 55 personnel, including CRPF commandos, and may also receive additional protection from National Security Guard (NSG) commandos depending on intelligence assessments. This security detail includes a bulletproof vehicle and an escort team operating in three shifts. Commandos assigned to Z-plus security undergo extensive training in martial arts and unarmed combat. Notable individuals receiving Z-plus security include Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Finance Minister.The Z-category, the third highest level of security, provides protection with a team of 22 personnel, including commandos and police personnel. In this category, the individual bears the cost of the security detail. Baba Ramdev and actor Aamir Khan have been granted Z-category security, and Union Minister Chirag Paswan recently received an upgrade to Z-category protection following a decision by the Union Home Ministry.
Y-plus and Y-category:
The Y-plus category provides a security detail of 11 personnel, consisting of two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and other armed policemen. This level of protection is typically assigned to individuals considered at moderate risk. The specific composition of the security detail may vary based on threat assessments. Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut was granted Y-plus security in September 2020.The Y-category security detail includes 8 personnel, consisting of 1 or 2 commandos and police personnel. Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, director of the film ‘The Kashmir Files,’ received Y-category protection.
X-category:
The lowest level of security, the X-category, provides a detail of 2 personnel, consisting of armed police personnel but without any commandos.The recent assassination of Baba Siddique highlights the ongoing security challenges in India, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing protocols. The incident has also intensified the political discourse, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the government and questioning its ability to protect citizens. As the nation grapples with this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures and the constant need to assess and adapt to evolving threats.
