Kangana gets Y-plus 24x7 CRPF security, MVA slams Centre
Bharti Jain (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 8, 2020)

New Delhi: The Centre has sanctioned ‘Y+’ security cover, to be provided by CRPF, to actor Kangana Ranaut. The decision to grant her protection was based on a review of threat perception, home ministry sources said on Monday.

The ‘Y-plus’ protection for Ranaut—at par with that extended to Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and former deputy CM of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot—comes against the backdrop of statements made by politicians belonging to the ruling camp in Maharashtra, in response to her questioning Mumbai police’s handling of the probe into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

The news drew strong reactions from members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime, one of whom called her a “BJP parrot”. State home minister Anil Deshmukh of NCP said, “It is surprising and sad that those who insult Mumbai and Maharashtra are being given security by the Centre… if anyone insults Maharashtra, people of all parties should condemn it.”
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Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; September 8, 2020)

On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended Y+ security to Kangana Ranaut following the row over her comments on Mumbai. CRPF officials say they’re waiting for the official order from the MHA. They say they’ll be providing security to a Bollywood star for the first time.

KANGANA’S SECURITY IMPORTANT FOR US: HIMACHAL PRADESH CM
Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur said in a video, “Kangana Ranaut’s security is very important for us. We directed the DGP to assess her security, after which we decided to provide her security at her Himachal residence, and if needed, we’ll send Himachal Police for her tour (she is visiting Mumbai on September 9). Also, we came to know from the MHA that a team of 11 CRPF commandos will be provided to her.” Usually, when there’s a threat to actors in Mumbai, Mumbai Police provides security to them. However, Kangana recently tweeted she wouldn’t ask them for security. “In Mumbai I would need security either from HP government or directly from the Centre, No Mumbai police please (sic),” she had written.

HAVEN’T RECEIVED OFFICIAL LETTER FROM THE MHA YET: CRPF DIG
CRPF officials say they’re still waiting for an official letter to notify that they have to depute personnel for Kangana’s security. DIG Moses Dhinakaran, spokesperson, CRPF, says, “We haven’t received the letter from the MHA yet.” CRPF officials say this will be the first time they provide security to a Bollywood actor. The only actor whom they’re providing security is MP Rupa Ganguly. After the NSG commandos were withdrawn from VIP protection security, paramilitary forces now provide VIP security for categories X,Y and Z, and the CRPF, ITBP, and CISF are usually tasked with this, along with the state government police. DIG Anil Pandey, spokesperson, CISF, says, “We are providing security to 65 dignitaries, but not to any Bollywood actor.” ITBP, too, doesn’t provide security to Bollywood actors.

MANY ACTORS IN MUMBAI PROVIDED POLICE SECURITY OVER THE YEARS
Till 2016, Mumbai Police was providing security to 40 Bollywood celebrities. Reportedly, in January 2016, security cover for 25 Bollywood celebs was reduced. Mumbai Police officials, however, refused to share any details about the celebs they’re currently providing security to. Officials of P&S branch of Mumbai Police said, “We can not share any details of security provided to any actor.” When any celebrity in any state needs police protection, they write to the district police, which then assesses the situation.

WHEN IS SECURITY PROVIDED?

There are largely five categories of security covers that are provided to people – X, Y, Y+, Z and Z+.

These are given on the basis of:
- Intelligence reports
- Personal requests
- Threat perception
- Maintaining law and order at a gathering

The applicant has to submit a written request, following which security is considered. Police charges a fee to Bollywood actors for providing security. However, if the Centre approves security then it is the MHA which decides payment/non-payment. Officials say that usually it isn’t paid by the celebrity.