Y-Security Explained: What It Is and the Politicians Under Its Protection

New Delhi: The death of Baba Siddique, senior leader in the Ajit Pawar -led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has sparked outrage across the country. 

Siddique, who was shot multiple times in Mumbai’s Bandra by unidentified attackers, had been receiving Y-category security following threats made against him just 15 days earlier.

What is Y-Security and Who Qualifies for It?

In India, security protection is provided to prominent individuals and officials based on the level of threat they face. The decision to provide such protection is made after a thorough assessment by intelligence agencies, which determines the specific level of security that should be assigned to a person.

As per Bureau of Police Research and Development report, the categories of security in India, listed in order of increasing protection, are X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z-plus, and the Special Protection Group (SPG). 

Y-category security is a high-level protection detail provided to individuals who face significant threats.

Y-security consists of a team of 8 personnel, including 1 or 2 commandos, along with police officers. 

The more enhanced Y-plus security includes a team of 11 personnel, with 2-4 commandos providing additional protection.

Which Public Figures Receive Y-Security?

Several well-known personalities in India have been assigned Y-category protection due to threats against them. Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, director of The Kashmir Files, are among those who have received this security cover.

The three-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court, which delivered the Hijab verdict, also received Y-security following the controversy surrounding their ruling. The bench includes Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justices Krishna Dixit, and Khazi M. Jaibunnisa.

Though Y-security provides substantial protection, it is not the highest category. For instance, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar has been given Z-Plus security, a higher level of protection, due to the serious threats he faces.

India’s VIP security system covers numerous public figures across various fields. 

Two out of three assailants have been arrested and taken into custody; however, the third assailant is still on the run. Condoling the death of Baba Siddique, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured strict action in this murder. 

As per sources, The Crime Branch claims that during interrogation, the accused claimed to be from Bishnoi gang. The accused were doing recce of that area for the last 25-30 days.