SPG takes over security of Modi

New Delhi, May 26: Moments after

was sworn in as Prime Minister today, elite Special Protection Group took over his security forming a ring around him as well as Gujarat Bhavan where he is temporarily staying.

Senior officials said, the SPG which protects the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their families, had sanitized the Gujarat Bhavan as Modi was expected to stay there for a couple of days before moving into the prestigious 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the PM. They said the guest house in 7, Race Course Road had also been prepared in case the Prime Minister agrees to move in.

At present, Gujarat Bhavan, where Modi is staying, has been brought under SPG cover with all the security apparatus and protocols coming into play. Modi was already enjoying a "special security" protocol around him by the NSG black cat commandos as part of Z plus security ring.

The Home Ministry had already increased the number of NSG 'black cat' commandos and the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) teams were provided with experts from bomb disposal and intelligence for the first time.

The ASL, which comprises officials of the National Security Guard (NSG) and Gujarat police, was asked to scan and prepare advance dossiers and assessment reports of the venues and possible spots where Modi was supposed to visit during his election campaign. Over 100 NSG commandos were securing Modi with an intention to quickly and continuously replace the "tired" squad with a fresh one during the hectic campaign spree of the BJP leader.

Modi has been a 'Z+' category protectee of the NSG and this is the highest level of security provided to VVIPs in the country, a notch just closer to the SPG security provided to the Prime Minister and his immediate family.

PTI