The security cover for Union Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been significantly tightened following fresh intelligence inputs. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prioritised his safety after receiving reports suggesting potential threats from foreign agencies and anti-national elements.
Sources indicate that the Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI, along with certain radical groups, have been attempting to gather information regarding the senior BJP leader’s movements. This development has prompted security agencies to operate on high alert.
Deployment increased at Bhopal and Delhi residences
Following the directive, security measures were visibly intensified late Friday night and early Saturday morning. Deployment of personnel has been increased outside his official residence in New Delhi and his private residence at B-8, 74 Bungalows in Bhopal.
A visit to the 74 Bungalows area in Bhopal on Saturday revealed a heavy security presence. The number of personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Madhya Pradesh Police stationed at the location appeared to be double the usual strength. Access to the road passing near the bungalow has been restricted, and movement through the main gate of the residence has been halted for the general public.
Directives to Police Chiefs
According to reports, the MHA has sent an ‘ultra-confidential’ communication to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Madhya Pradesh and the Delhi Police Commissioner. The note explicitly instructs that there must be no lapses in the Union Minister’s security.
The Delhi Police Special Branch has also been tasked with conducting advance security checks of his travel routes and scheduled programs. In Bhopal, barricades have been erected on roads leading to his residence, with police conducting intensive checks on all passing vehicles.
Constant monitoring by agencies
While no specific details regarding the threat have been made public, sources confirm that security agencies are constantly monitoring the situation. Reviews of the security arrangements are being conducted periodically based on real-time intelligence.
The central and state governments are working in close coordination to ensure the Minister’s safety remains a top priority. The MHA has also looped in the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary to oversee the implementation of these enhanced security protocols.
