New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday provided Z-Plus security, the highest category of armed VIP security cover, to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar, official sources said.

The Union Home Ministry has asked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to enhance the security of the 83-year-old former chief minister of Maharashtra. A team of 55 armed CRPF personnel has been deployed for this task.

Diya Z Plus cover for protection

A review of the threat assessment by central agencies has recommended strong security cover for Pawar. Sources said the Centre has given him Z-plus security cover from the CRPF VIP security wing. They said a CRPF team is already in Maharashtra to handle the task.

The classification of VIP security cover starts from the highest Z+ followed by Z, Y+, Y and X. Pawar already has Z+ security from the state government. After the Centre's decision, ten additional CRPF personnel will be deployed for his security. In view of the situation in the state due to reservation related protests and many other issues, intelligence agencies had issued an alert regarding his security. After this, his security has been increased.