New Delhi, Mar 12: The National Security Guard (NSG) will undertake a comprehensive security audit of all its Z-plus category high-risk VIPs following the assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, officials said on Thursday.
The ‘Black Cats’ commando force currently provides elite protection to nine VIPs, including Abdullah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.
Under standard operating procedures, the force provides mobile security during transit and deploys a specialised Close Protection Team (CPT) of four commandos when a dignitary is inside an indoor venue, such as a banquet hall or convention centre.
The officials told PTI that it is standard procedure to review or audit security measures whenever an “extraordinary incident” involves an NSG protectee.
“The security audit process will be initiated. While the NSG is tasked with the immediate safety of the protectee, it remains the responsibility of local police and other agencies to sanitise the venue and ensure no armed individuals gain entry,” an official said. Once the audit is finalised, the NSG will communicate its findings and highlight potential lapses to the relevant local police authorities.
Abdullah had a miraculous escape on Wednesday night when a gunman opened fire at him after coming from behind while the National Conference president was leaving a wedding function in Jammu. CCTV footage from the wedding event showed a police official and an NSG commando successfully intercepting the attacker, while a second commando and other security personnel pinned him to the ground.
The team immediately evacuated Abdullah from the venue in a high-speed convoy.
