Patna: The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Friday accorded Z category security to RJD chief Lalu Prasad and former CM Rabri Devi, along with a bulletproof vehicle, a month after withdrawing their Z+ security cover and replacing it with security provided by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP).The Z+ security cover of Lalu and Rabri was withdrawn on June 5 following a review of their security arrangements. After the downgrade, both were provided security by the BSAP.The decision had sparked a political row with the RJD alleging the downgrade was politically motivated and aimed at targeting opposition figures. Lalu and Rabri returned their remaining govt security in protest while leader of opposition in state assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also gave up his govt security.The Centre has now accorded both Lalu and Rabri Z category security. Under the revised arrangement, they will receive central security cover, including a bulletproof vehicle, from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.The Z category cover includes around 22 security personnel comprising trained commandos and armed police personnel. It provides round-the-clock protection and includes escort vehicles and a bulletproof car. Security personnel are equipped with sophisticated weapons, including MP5 submachine guns.The Centre decides such security cover on the basis of threat assessment reports prepared by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Yadav had termed the earlier downgrade an “insult” to the Lalu family. He said both Lalu and Rabri had served as Bihar chief ministers and that Lalu was a senior national political figure. The party maintained that the reduction in security had raised serious concerns over their safety and accused the state govt of targeting opposition figures.
