MHA allows 'Z' security for Suvendu outside Bengal after IB's threat report

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reportedly extended the ‘Z’ category security cover to Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari nationwide. Previously, Adhikari's ‘Z’ category protection was limited to West Bengal, while he received a ‘Y+’ security cover in other states. However, based on a recent report by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) assessing increased threats to his life, the MHA decided to enhance his security nationwide.

Adhikari, currently the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has been a prominent figure in state politics, particularly since his high-profile shift from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020. The central government awarded him ‘Z’ category security in 2021, which included comprehensive protection by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) within Bengal and a scaled-down ‘Y+’ cover outside the state. Following recent updates on his threat assessment, this security is now expanded to a full ‘Z’ cover across India.

The IB’s report details an increased threat perception related to Adhikari’s political profile and his role as a significant opposition leader in Bengal. ‘Z’ category security provides an extensive layer of protection, comprising a mobile team of six to seven armed CRPF commandos and a pilot and escort vehicle. This level of security is one of the highest for VIPs, generally reserved for high-risk individuals.