Photo of ‘Lady SPG commando’ near PM Modi goes viral: What’s the true story?

A photograph shared on Thursday by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, featuring a female ‘commando’ standing behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside the Parliament, has taken social media by storm.

The picture shows Prime Minister Modi walking ahead of the woman dressed in a dark suit.

Ranaut captioned the image as “Lady SPG,” which led to a discussion about women empowerment and their growing presence in security roles.

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Who is the woman in the viral picture?

Many believe the woman in the viral photo is part of the Special Protection Group (SPG), but her identity and exact role are still unknown.

Female commandos have been integral to the SPG’s security framework for years. The SPG currently has about 100 female commandos, handling close protection duties and advanced security coordination, India Today reported.

The viral image, reportedly from Parliament, shows a female officer walking beside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, several women SPG commandos are also a part of the elite ‘Close Protection Team.’

However, sources told NDTV that the woman in the photo is not with the SPG. Instead, she is an Assistant Commandant with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and serves as a Personal Security Officer (PSO) to President Droupadi Murmu, the media outlet reported.

Meanwhile, BJP MP from Chikkaballapur, Dr K Sudhakar posted on X, “Woman Commando in PM’s SPG! From Agniveer to Fighter pilots, from Combat Positions to Commando in Prime Minister’s SPG, the participation of women in the armed forces has increased significantly and women are leading from the front. More power to women…”

India’s armed forces have been expanding opportunities for women, encouraging them to command units in air defence, signals, ordnance, intelligence, engineers, and service corps.

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What is the SPG?

The Special Protection Group (SPG) was formed to provide close security to the Prime Minister, former prime ministers, and their immediate families. SPG officers undergo specialised training in leadership, professionalism, and close protection.

Since its formation, the SPG has continuously revised its methods to improve the safety of those under its protection. It works closely with the Intelligence Bureau and various state and Union Territory police forces to strengthen security measures.

Established in 1985 after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the SPG works with the Intelligence Bureau and local police forces to enhance security. Initially, the SPG Act, passed in 1988, did not cover former prime ministers. However, after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, the Act was amended to ensure protection for former PMs and their families for at least 10 years.

The government regularly reviews and adjusts the security provided based on the threat level.

How social media reacted to the viral photo

Many on social media have praised the viral photo shared by Kangana Ranaut as a powerful example of women empowerment.

One user on X wrote, “For the first time seeing a woman as an SPG commando. This is real women empowerment.”

Another user wrote, “As you know, Prime Minister of our country is under the protection of Special Protection Group i.e. SPG. So far, male SPG commandos are always seen behind the Prime Minister. In this photo, for the first time you can see a woman SPG commando behind the Prime Minister. This is true women empowerment.”.

However, some users pointed out that the woman in the photo is likely not from the SPG. “Not SPG, the lady officer (most likely from DP) is from VIP Security staff of honourable President of Indian Smt Droupadi Murmu,” one user wrote.

“In today’s India, every person of any gender will get the same opportunity for his talent. No matter men or women. It is appreciated to see and it’s a big thing when it is to protect the prime minister of India by a woman,” another person posted.