CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Security Upgraded Amid Protests Over SIR Roll Revision

The Union government has further strengthened the existing Z+ security cover of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Hindustan Times has learnt.

More security personnel have reportedly been deployed outside Kumar’s residence, at the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters and as part of his personal protection.

Officials familiar with the matter said the security upgrade followed protests near the CEC’s residences in Delhi and Agra.

Security Tightened After Protests

A senior police officer said authorities reassessed the threat after protesters managed to identify Kumar’s residence in Delhi and a separate 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 held a protest near Kumar’s residence on September 27, demanding his resignation. Police and security personnel subsequently stopped the protesters.

On Wednesday, a security staff member at New Moti Bagh, where Kumar resides, confirmed that additional forces had been deployed following the demonstrations.

“There were also some protesters who attempted to enter the New Moti Bagh colony and almost reached his house. We have upped paramilitary safety here,” the staff member said, requesting anonymity.

More Than 55 Personnel Under Z+ Cover

Delhi Police officials confirmed that Kumar had already been receiving Z+ security protection for some time. Z+ is the highest level of civilian security provided by the government.

According to a senior police officer, the cover involves more than 55 personnel, including members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police. The protectee is also provided round-the-clock personal security officers.

The security arrangement is organised in multiple layers, involving watchers, guards, close-protection teams and other personnel.

Police officials said all chief election commissioners receive Z-category security.

A staff member at the New Moti Bagh colony told HT that the level of security had increased noticeably.

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

Police vehicles have reportedly been stationed inside the colony around the clock, while commandos have been deployed outside Kumar’s residence.

Another colony staff member said security checks had become stricter since the protests began. New visitors are required to show identification and explain the purpose of their visit, while a bus carrying paramilitary personnel has also been stationed outside the colony.

Security Boosted At ECI Headquarters

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

Officials familiar with the developments said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased its deployment inside the complex.

Until last week, CISF personnel were responsible for guarding the building’s entry and exit points, perimeter and overall security.

“The number of CISF personnel within the complex has also increased substantially. Over the last few days, personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CRPF, and Delhi Police have already been posted outside the complex,” an officer said on condition of anonymity.

However, the senior police officer said the additional security at the ECI headquarters was primarily linked to the frequent protests taking place there rather than Kumar personally.

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

The protests have continued amid opposition parties’ allegations concerning the ongoing SIR exercise, while the Election Commission has maintained that the revision is aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.