Rahul Gandhi not following security protocol, alleges CRPF

The CRPF has written a letter to Rahul Gandhi and also sent a copy to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

CRPF VVIP Security Chief Sunil June alleged Rahul was not taking his security protocols seriously as he was undertaking foreign trips "without informing anyone", NDTV reported.

Rahul has been accused of violating protocols mentioned in the Yellow Book of the CRPF during his frequent trips to countries like Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London and Malaysia.

The Rae Bareli MP, who enjoys the highest form of protection, receives the Z+ category security with Advanced Security Liaison.

Reacting to the letter, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera wrote on X, "The timing of the CRPF’s letter and its instant public release raise disturbing questions. It comes just as Shri @RahulGandhi is leading the charge against the BJP’s Vote Chori carried out with the Election Commission’s complicity.

"Is this a veiled attempt to intimidate the Leader of Opposition, who has already announced another imminent disclosure? Is the government rattled by the truth he is about to reveal?"

Key reported security lapses

113 protocol violations since 2020

The CRPF claims that Rahul Gandhi has violated security protocols on 113 occasions since 2020. Many of those are during public events / yatras (marches), including Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra

On December 24, during the Delhi leg of the Yatra, there was a major allegation of breach of protocol. The CRPF said that while the security arrangements were made as per guidelines, Rahul Gandhi violated some of the security norms.

Delhi Police also alleged that Rahul Gandhi broke the cordon (i.e. left the designated secure area) during the Yatra, which constitutes a protocol violation.

Security breach in Assam during Bharat Jodo Yatra

The Assam state government and the Centre were criticized for lapses during the Yatra event in Assam. The Congress has alleged that security for the Yatra in Assam was compromised.

An instance of a man kissing him in Purnia (Bihar)

A more recent reported lapse: during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Purnia district, Bihar, an unidentified man from the crowd kissed Rahul Gandhi on the cheek, which raised concerns about crowd control and close interaction security.

Disputed lapses and disagreements

Jammu & Kashmir police denied that there was any security lapse during the Yatra in their area, even though Congress leaders claimed there were times when security officers were missing or arrangements were inadequate.

Rahul Gandhi, in some instances, has responded that he does not consider certain acts (like mingling with crowds) as breaches, saying these were done with prior knowledge of his security personnel.