CM Bhagwant Mann declined CRPF security cover despite threat assessments

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar declined security cover offered by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), sources familiar with the matter said.

The CRPF, which currently provides protection to 206 VVIPs and VIPs—including billionaire industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani—had last year offered Y-plus security to Mann based on threat assessments.

However, Mann rejected the proposal, similar to his response to a recent offer made by the central government. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also faced a heightened threat perception, accepted the offer and is under Z-plus security provided by the CRPF.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sharad Pawar was offered Z-plus category security by the CRPF but declined the protection.

Among prominent individuals currently under CRPF security, Adani has Z-category cover, Mukesh Ambani has Z-plus, and Nita Ambani has Y-plus category protection.