The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formally accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly failing to observe established security protocols while travelling abroad, particularly during several international trips. In a letter addressed jointly to Mr. Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the CRPF’s VVIP Security Chief, Sunil June, states that Gandhi has been travelling abroad “without informing anyone” or coordinating adequately with his security detail. The letter warns that such behaviour contravenes the CRPF’s “Yellow Book” guidelines, which dictate the procedures to be followed by individuals under Z+ category and Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) protection.

Foreign Trips Cited

The letter lists several recent overseas trips undertaken by Rahul Gandhi, during which, according to CRPF, these protocol breaches occurred. The destinations and dates include:

• Italy (from December 30 to January 9)
• Vietnam (March 12–17)
• Dubai (April 17–23)
• Qatar (June 11–18)
• London (June 25–July 6)
• Malaysia (September 4–8)

Nature of the Alleged Violations

According to the CRPF, the violations relate to failure to inform or coordinate with security teams in advance, neglect of reconnaissance arrangements before visits, and not following directives under the ASL protection system. Under this system, as per the CRPF, security units are expected to carry out advance security liaison, coordinate with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and ensure secure movement and arrangements for those under high-threat protection status.

Rahul Gandhi currently holds Z+ category security with ASL—one of the highest protection levels in India. This includes deployment of approximately 55 security personnel, including National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.

Previous Incidents and Context

This is not the first time the CRPF has raised concerns about Gandhi’s adherence to security norms. In 2022, the CRPF claimed that he had violated guidelines on more than 100 occasions since 2020, including during the Delhi segment of the “Bharat Jodo Yatra.”

In another incident in 2023, during the Kashmir leg of the same yatra, Congress alleged severe lapses in his security when an unexpectedly large crowd thronged him, rendering movement almost impossible for about 30 minutes.

More recently, during a “Voter Adhikar Yatra” in Bihar, Gandhi was riding a two-wheeler when an unidentified man hugged him tightly and kissed his shoulder, causing Gandhi to lose balance. Security personnel reacted immediately, subduing and removing the individual.

Response and Next Steps

As of now, there has been no public response from Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, or Congress regarding these latest allegations. The CRPF’s letter suggests that the violations are significant, given the high threat perception under which Gandhi is classified, and hints that further action could be taken if lapses persist.