CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Z+ security strengthened; additional forces deployed in Delhi

Chief Election Commissioner already has Z+ security cover, the second-highest security category in the country after the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover provided to the Prime Minister and his immediate family. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu The security cover of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been further strengthened amid protests by Opposition parties over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Additional personnel have been deployed outside his Delhi residence in New Moti Bagh Colony, at the Election Commission office and for his personal security, officials in the know said on Thursday (October 8, 2026).Keep track | CEC row key updates - October 8, 2026Mr. Kumar already has Z+ security cover, the second-highest security category in the country after the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover provided to the Prime Minister and his immediate family. The latest move involves deploying additional personnel already kept on standby based on the prevailing security situation, rather than a change in his existing security category, officials said.Sources in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said the personnel who are generally on standby have been active based on threat perception. “The officer already has Z+ security. We have security personnel on standby, and based on the situation they are deployed. In the current situation, the personnel on standby have been deployed, which is a robust security measure,” the official said.The local district police have also been asked to step up deployment around the residence and other sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incident. “The entire complex has been secured. Staff has been alerted to be more vigilant to check any unauthorised entry,“ said an official from the Southwest district police.The enhanced arrangements come as protests against Mr. Kumar have intensified over the SIR exercise. INDIA bloc leaders, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, will be staging a protest on the third consecutive day on Thursday (October 8, 2026) against irregularities in the revision process and demanding Mr. Kumar’s resignation.The heightened security around the CEC comes alongside a major mobilisation of central forces in Delhi to manage the upcoming October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar and maintain law and order.Additional forces called in from J&K, West Bengal and ChhattisgarhThe deployment is among the largest mobilisations of central forces for law and order duties in the national capital in connection with a protest in recent times. CRPF companies are being brought in from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, officials said.At least 7,000 CRPF personnel are being brought in from Chhattisgarh and West Bengal for law and order duties in Delhi amid the protests, according to deployment orders seen by The Hindu. Around 3,000 personnel, including those from the force’s specialised anti-riot unit — the Rapid Action Force (RAF) — are being mobilised from Chhattisgarh, while another 4,000 personnel are being brought in from West Bengal.An October 6 order directed the companies in West Bengal to be released “in zero time” for further deployment in Delhi, while the Chhattisgarh Sector was asked to keep its earmarked companies ready for movement by special train. The companies have also been directed to ensure the availability of anti-riot equipment before deployment.The additional forces are expected to assist the Delhi Police in managing demonstrations, securing key government buildings and maintaining law and order, particularly in central Delhi and the New Delhi district.The deployment comes against the backdrop of repeated Opposition demonstrations targeting the Election Commission over the SIR exercise. The protests have included marches and gatherings in central Delhi, prompting heightened security arrangements around government and constitutional institutions.With further protests expected, security agencies have been asked to maintain close coordination and assess deployments according to the situation on the ground, officials said. Published - October 08, 2026 12:34 pm IST