NEW DELHI, APRIL 18 — The central government has moved to secure Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha by granting him Z category protection in Punjab and Delhi, effective immediately. The order from the Ministry of Home Affairs ensures that the lawmaker maintains high-level coverage after the state government recently reduced his security detail.
Federal officials affirmed that the directive follows a comprehensive assessment of potential threats. The communication has been sent to the chief secretaries of Punjab and all other states and union territories, as well as the Delhi Police, ensuring that Chadha receives 24-hour protection at his residence and office, as well as during transit.
The transition in security occurs amidst a backdrop of political reshuffling and federal investigations. Chadha’s state-level security was decreased shortly after his removal from a leadership post in the Rajya Sabha, where he was succeeded by Ashok Mittal. The timing of the security pullback also matched recent Enforcement Directorate actions against Mittal’s business interests.
While the Punjab government had initially withdrawn the MP’s Z-plus status, the Centre asked the Delhi Police to maintain status quo related to his security during the transition. The current Z category arrangement provides Chadha with a specialized team of 22 commandos and armored transport to ensure his safety during official duties in the designated regions.
