The Union Home Ministry wants an armed security officer to accompany Home Minister Rajnath Singh on domestic commercial flights, and has sought the the aviation ministry's permission to do so, reported The Hindustan Times (HT).
The request was reportedly made in April, in light of increased security threats to Singh who already has the topmost Z-plus category of security cover, according to HT.
Singh's mobile security reportedly includes commandoes from the National Security Guard.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), a wing that reports to the aviation ministry, earlier said that only a few VVIPs are allowed to be accompanied by armed personnel on commercial flights. These select few VVIPs include the Prime Minister, President and those protected by the Special Protection group (SPG).
“The facility can be extended in rare cases where there is a grave security threat,” an official said in the report.
While the BCAS chief Rajesh Chandra did not comment, a top aviation ministry official said the issue is being examined, reported HT.
India started using undercover security officers on board commercial flights after the Indian Airlines Delhi-Kathmandu flight was hijacked in 1999.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
