Rahul Gandhi violated security guidelines during Bharat Jodo Yatra: CRPF

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ​on Thursday said that security arrangements made for the protectee work fine when the protectee himself adheres to the guidelines. However, violations of laid down guidelines on the part of Rahul Gandhi were observed at several instances.

New Delhi:Days after Congress general secretary KC Venugopal lodged a complaint with the Home Ministry over a security breach during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jado Yatra, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday clarified that Gandhi has himself violated several laid down guidelines.

"​Security arrangements made for the protectee work fine when the protectee himself adheres to the security guidelines laid down. However, it is pointed out that on several occasions violations of laid down guidelines on the part of Shri Rahul Gandhi have been observed and this fact has been communicated to him from time to time," the CRPF said.

For instance, since 2020, there have been 113 violations observed and duly communicated. It may further be mentioned that during the Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra, the protectee has violated security guidelines and CRPF will be taking up this matter separately, the central paramilitary force said.

"The security arrangements for Rahul Gandhi are fully in place as per the guidelines. It may be pointed out that during visits of the protectee, the required security arrangements are made by the CRPF in coordination with State police/ security agencies as per guidelines," it said.

Advisories based on threat assessment have been issued by the MHA to all stakeholders concerned including the State governments. Advance Security Liaison (ASL) is also undertaken for every visit, it added.

"For the Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Padyatra for December 24, 2022, Advance Security Liaison (ASL) involving all stakeholders was conducted on December 22. All security guidelines have been strictly followed and Delhi Police has informed that sufficient deployment of security personnel was made," the CRPF further said.