Kangana Ranaut Slapped: How Many Bodyguards Does An MP Get? What Are Security Arrangements For VVIPs?

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) woman official for her remarks on farmers at Chandigarh airport on Thursday. The BJP elect from Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh was about to board a plane for Delhi when the incident took place, video of which has been doing the rounds on the social media.

The CISF constable, Kulwinder Kaur, who has been suspended and an FIR has been filed against her, told Ranaut that she slapped her for “disrespecting the farmers”, referring to the protests against the now repealed farm laws in 2020-21.

Ranaut did not talk to the media after landing in Delhi, but posted a story on Instagram, saying, “I am safe. I am perfectly fine. The incident happened at the security check-in. The woman guard waited for me to cross. She then came from the side and hit me. She started throwing expletives. I asked why she hit me. She said ‘I support farmers’. I am safe, but my concern is terrorism is rising in Punjab. How do we handle that?”

But how could a CISF personnel hit an MP or an MP-elect? Was there no security with Ranaut? Let’s address these questions.

A video footage shows that Ranaut was being escorted by a ring of security officers towards the check-in, where she was seen talking to some CISF officers.

Ranaut was given Y-plus security by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020 after a spat between her and MP Sanjay Raut. She claimed that she was threatened that her life was in danger in Mumbai.

Eleven commandos are tasked with protecting Ranaut. Two of the commandos will provide her with mobile security, while one will guard her residence at all times across the country.

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This protection is informally called “VIP security”, and it is generally given only to someone who holds a position of consequence either in the government or in civil society.

What Security Does an MP Have?

Security arrangements for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister are made as per the guidelines laid down in the ‘Blue Book’ issued by the home ministry. For other individuals including political personalities, security arrangements are made on the basis of measures mentioned in the ‘Yellow Book’ titled ‘Security Arrangements for the Protection of Individuals’ after threat assessment by security agencies.

For Members of Parliament, security protection on behalf of the Central government is given only after threat assessment. However, state governments also have their own criteria to provide security to MPs. The provision of security to an individual other than those listed above, residing in a particular state is determined by the state government since ‘law and order’ is a state subject as per the Constitution.

Besides the Prime Minister, the President, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, MPs and MLAs, high security is also provided to bureaucrats, former bureaucrats, judges, former judges, businessmen, cricketers, film stars, saints, and, at times, common people depending on the threat perception.

SPG and Other Security for VVIPs

VVIPs in India are the prime minister, president, vice-president and visiting heads of the state.

In India, the idea of providing security to political leaders was born after Naxalism became a threat in the 1960s. The SPG was formed in 1985, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The Union home ministry codified the protocols for protection in the ‘Blue Book’ and ‘Yellow Book’.

The Blue Book explains the full drill and detail of protecting a VVIP or VIP, details procedures for each and every scenario. It is updated regularly to keep track of new threats and challenges.

The Prime Minister of India and their immediate family members are protected by the Special Protection Group Act, 1988. The former PM and their immediate family members also get security cover under this act for five years from the end of their tenure.

The SPG also works with the Intelligence Bureau and local police force for security arrangements. Members in SPG comprise those from the National Security Guard and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Until 2020, Rahul, Priyanka and Sonia Gandhi were entitled to the SPG cover as family members of two former PMs, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who were assassinated, but it was revoked following a fresh “security review”.

Apart from SPG, the other main categories of VIP security cover in India are Z+, Z, Y and X.

X Category offers only two ‘Personal Security Officers’ to protectees. This is the lightest security level for a VIP.

Y Category includes an armed guard in uniform at the residence of the protectee throughout the day. They are also provided with additional security during dusk and dawn. Protectees under Y category may have a PSO with a 9 mm pistol and another PSO with Sten gun throughout the day. The Y+ category of security is for those facing a greater threat, serious than those with Y security.

Z Category protectees are given armed static guards to cover their place of stay. The strength can vary from 2 to 8 guards depending upon the threat and place of stay. Two PSOs are also stationed round the clock. Screening watchers, armed escorts for all road journeys are provided. The protectee is also provided with a bulletproof vest.

Z+ Category protectees are given NSG mobile security. They are also given bulletproof car and escorts in three shifts. Additional security arrangements are also made depending on the location.

According to a response offered by the government in the Lok Sabha in 2018, around 300 people had been provided security under various categories.

The government in 2018 stated that it will relieve Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) personnel from VIP protection duties, which would also be shifted to the CISF and National Security Guard (NSG).