In a recent development, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has been allocated a Z-category VIP security detail comprising armed commandos by the Union government due to potential threats, as per official sources in New Delhi. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has delegated the responsibility of providing a contingent of approximately 40-45 personnel to the Central Reserve Police Force for this purpose, the sources disclosed.

A report assessing potential threats, compiled by central security agencies, advocated for robust security measures for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kumar. This decision comes amidst preparations for the upcoming seven-phase general elections set to commence on April 19. It has been revealed that the armed commandos will accompany the CEC during his nationwide travels.

Kumar, a retired IAS officer belonging to the 1984 batch, assumed office as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. His tenure as an election commissioner within the poll body commenced on September 1, 2020.