April 9, 2024: The Union Government on Tuesday announced that they have provided Z-category VIP security cover of armed commandos to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar because of potential threats.

Kumar is a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch. He took charge as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. He had been appointed as an Election Commissioner in the poll body on September 1, 2020.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has entrusted the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with providing a contingent of about 40-45 personnel for the task.

A threat perception report prepared by central security agencies recommended a strong cover for CEC Kumar. The move comes amid preparations for the seven-phase General Elections that begin on April 19. The armed commandos will accompany the CEC during his travels across the country.