The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) flagged certain security protocol "violations" allegedly by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his domestic as well as international movements.
According to officials, a letter was sent to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge from the VIP security unit of the paramilitary force, mentioning certain "unscheduled movements without intimation" by Gandhi during his domestic visits, as well as before he left for abroad.
55-year-old Rahul Gandhi is being provided with 'Z plus (ASL)' armed protection by the CRPF VIP security wing. Under this security arrangement, around 10-12 armed CRPF commandos provide a proximate security cover to him whenever he is mobile.
As per CRPF, the protectee and their staff are required to follow the stipulated guidelines that are furnished in the central 'yellow book'.
Officials underlined that such unannounced movements pose a "risk" to the security of the "high risk" VIP, PTI reported.
Congress raised questions over the timing of the allegations and wondered whether it was a "veiled attempt" to intimidate him.
"The timing of the CRPF's letter and its instant public release raises disturbing questions. It comes just as Shri Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge against the BJP's Vote Chori carried out with the Election Commission's complicity," said Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera.
Officials in the force mentioned that such communication was "routine" in nature and had been sent earlier too.