SPG, IB told to take maximum precautions on Rahul's security

The Centre on Monday ordered the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to take maximum precaution for the security of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi after an anonymous letter allegedly threatening to kill him surfaced.

An unsigned letter in Tamil, threatening to kill the Rahul at an election meeting in Puducherry was received by a senior Congress leader V. Narayanasamy on May 5.

Rahul is scheduled to address a rally of the Congress-DMK alliance at Karaikal in Puducherry on Tuesday.

Acting swiftly, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi directed the SPG, responsible for the protection of the Congress Vice President, and the IB to take all necessary precautionary measures in this regard.

Earlier in the day, a high-powered Congress delegation met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express their concerns over the assassination threat to Rahul.

Talking to the media after the meeting, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Home Minister has assured prompt action and promised to enhance Gandhi's security.

"The Home Minister has also assured us that the agencies of Centre and state, SPG will be alert to the threat that has been received," he added.

Sharma further said the Congress delegation also raised the issue of proposal to shift en-mass about 400 officers of the SPG to bring in new people.

"The SPGs require rigorous training. So, it is a matter of concern as to why such a proposal has come up," he said.

Another BJP leader Rajeev Shukla said that the grand old party is glad that Home Minister Rajnath Singh has taken immediate action to ensure the security of their party's vice-president.

"Me, Shakil Ahmad ji, Anand Sharma ji, Bajwa Sahab met to the Union Home Minister. We are glad that Rajnath ji has immediately took the action against it and ensured the security of Rahul ji. This is a very good thing and we appreciate it. Priyanka Gandhi ji has also sent a letter to Rajnath ji in this regard," Shukla said.

"The threat is that Rahul Gandhi ji is in danger. The information is that he can be attacked in the rally tomorrow," he added.

According to reports, the assassination threat to the Congress vice-president came via an unsigned letter written in Tamil and posted in Puducherry on May 4.