Sharad Pawar Receives Z+ Security Cover from Centre

The Indian government has granted a Z+ security cover to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar. The 83-year-old former Maharashtra chief minister will be protected by a team of 55 armed CRPF personnel following a threat assessment recommendation by central agencies.

The Indian government has accorded the highest category of armed VIP security cover -- Z+ -- to Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP), official sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The Union Home Ministry has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to provide the Z+ cover to the 83-year-old former Maharashtra chief minister. A specialized team of 55 armed CRPF personnel has been assigned to ensure his safety.

This decision follows a threat assessment review by central agencies, which recommended enhanced security for Pawar. The CRPF VIP security wing has already dispatched a team to Maharashtra to fulfill this task. The Z+ category represents the highest level of security cover, followed by Z, Y+, Y, and X.

(With inputs from agencies.)