Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Former ADC Reveals Protocols Protecting President Droupadi Murmu
A former aide explained how security teams protect India’s President, Droupadi Murmu.
He said people may not shake her hand or touch her feet during meetings.
This is because security officers cannot know what someone might intend to do.
He also said the area around the President is checked for weapons and dangerous objects.
Even the glass she drinks from may be watched carefully.
ADCs train by carrying heavy equipment while getting little food, water, or sleep.
They must also remember objects placed along a walking route.
The former aide said he became close to President Murmu during his three years serving with her.
Former Aide-de-Camp Rishabh Singh Sambyal described security procedures used to protect President Droupadi Murmu.
He said people are not allowed to shake the President’s hand or touch her feet because their intentions cannot be known.
Sambyal said an area extending roughly one kilometre around the President is kept free of weapons, metal, and other dangerous materials.
He described ADC training involving heavy loads, limited food, water, and sleep, followed by observation tests.
Sambyal said ADCs handle the President’s official and unofficial requirements, including arranging calls with the Prime Minister’s office.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu and her former Aide-de-Camp, Rishabh Singh Sambyal.
- What
- Sambyal revealed reported security protocols, ADC training methods, and daily responsibilities involving the President.
- When
- Sambyal discussed the protocols on a recent episode of Raj Shamani’s podcast; he served with President Murmu for three years and recently announced premature retirement after 12 years in the armed forces.
- Where
- The discussion took place on Raj Shamani’s podcast, while the security procedures apply around the President of India.
- Why
- The measures are intended to reduce risks from unknown individuals, weapons, metal, and other potentially dangerous materials.
- Former ADC
- Rishabh Singh Sambyal
- President
- Droupadi Murmu
- Sanitised area
- Roughly one kilometre around the President
- ADC training duration
- Approximately 30 to 40 days of deprivation-based training
- Training load
- About 70 to 80 kilograms carried during training
- Service record
- Sambyal served 12 years in the armed forces and spent three years with the President
- Podcast
- Raj Shamani’s podcast