The ASL protocol, combined with Z plus security, represents the second-highest level of VIP protection in India, second only to that provided to the Prime Minister
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s security has been elevated from the Z plus category to the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) protocol. This high-level security arrangement is typically reserved for key figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a formal order for this upgrade about two weeks ago.
Previously, as a Z plus protectee, Bhagwat had been provided with a security detail of up to 55 personnel, including around 10 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos. His security also included a bullet-proof vehicle and an escort team working in three shifts.
The ASL protocol, combined with Z plus security, represents the second-highest level of VIP protection in India, second only to that provided to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s security is handled by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which also extends protection to former prime ministers and their immediate family members for a period of five years if they reside in government-allotted accommodation.
Officials familiar with the security arrangements explained that ASL protocols, which are now being formally implemented, were already being followed informally by the Special Security Group (SSG), a wing under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) responsible for Bhagwat’s protection.
Only those protectees under NSG security are accorded the ASL protocol. This involves a comprehensive security process, where officers responsible for the protectee’s safety travel ahead of time to event venues. They conduct meetings with local stakeholders, including organizers and police, to assess security requirements and the geographical layout of the sites. This assessment forms the basis of a detailed security plan, developed in consultation with the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
“Every detail is considered, from crowd density and venue location to the proximity of vital installations and emergency services. These factors are all documented and used to create a protective plan for the event or venue,” a security officer shared with ThePrint. “This includes simulation exercises and rehearsals of vehicle movements to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of the visit.”
These coordination meetings typically occur around 10 days in advance to ensure clear communication between local authorities and security agencies. The SPG initially developed the ASL drills, but with the increased responsibilities of the SPG, some VVIP duties were transferred to the CRPF and SSG. To maintain a high level of protection, these forces adopted the ASL mechanism, ensuring a security cover comparable to that provided by the SPG.
In 2019, the Modi government made a significant change by withdrawing SPG security from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, transferring their protection to the CRPF. Currently, the Gandhis are also under ASL security cover provided by the CRPF.
