The CRPF has devised nearly SPG-like security protocols for the Gandhis and communicated these to all the states and Union Territories so they can provide the necessary intelligence and police support when the VIPs visit them.

Sources in the paramilitary force said the Gandhis’ security would include an advance security liaison and special armoured vehicles — hallmarks of SPG cover that home minister Amit Shah alone among CRPF protectees enjoyed so far.

The sources said the “very high threat” the Gandhis faced had necessitated the improved protocol. On November 8, the Centre had withdrawn the Gandhis’ SPG cover saying there was no “direct threat” to them and accusing the trio of repeatedly violating their security protocol anyway.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra now enjoy Z-plus security and are protected by 40 CRPF personnel rather than 200 SPG commandos.

Late in August, the security of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur too was downgraded from SPG to Z-plus. Sources said the CRPF was assessing whether the VIP couple too should receive the upgraded cover being planned for the Gandhis.

For now, the CRPF has borrowed special bullet-proof vehicles from the SPG for use by the Gandhis. But officers said the force would soon seek permission to procure these specialised armoured vehicles for itself — and to raise at least one more battalion (accounting for about 1,000 personnel) — since it is now guarding such high-profile people as the Gandhis.

“We did a security audit for the Gandhis with the help of some SPG officers. We decided that an advanced security liaison team will be formed to conduct a reconnaissance of the venues and area they plan to visit at least 24 hours in advance, and liaise with local authorities,” a CRPF officer said.

“We have informed all the states and Union Territories through the Union home ministry that the Gandhi family’s advanced security liaison will require the support of their intelligence, police and administrative machineries before visiting their territories on official or personal tours.”

He said such help would be sought also for visits by Manmohan Singh and Gursharan Kaur.

As for the Gandhis’ residences — 10 Janpath (Sonia), Tughlaq Lane (Rahul) and Lodhi Estate (Priyanka) — “each house is being protected by 40 personnel along with a canine squad”, a source said.

The CRPF, which has more than 3 lakh personnel, now protects nearly 60 VIPs.