Rabri writes to Nitish again seeking Z+ security staff

The controversy over curtailment of security at LaluRabri’s 10 Circular Road residence is refusing to die down.

Former chief minister Rabri Devi on Sunday shot off another letter to CM Nitish Kumar demanding that she be provided adequate security and facilities according to her entitlement as a Z+ protectee, as per a decision by the Union home ministry in 2006.

“I had been given Z+ security in 2006, as per a home ministry decision. But the state government did not extend me the cover, citing lack of adequate security personnel. I want to know why ...” Rabri has asked the CM.

The former CM’s fresh move is being seen as an attempt to pressurise the state government to enhance her security cover and pre-empt any future move to curtail the security of RJD’s first family.

Sources said a copy of Rabri’s letter to the CM has been sent to the chief secretary, the home secretary, the Director-general of police and other senior police officials. “Rabri Devi’s demand for all facilities of Z+ security is logical, as she has not been given guards as per her security category. Even Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s security has been not been classified despite the fact that he is leader of the opposition,” a senior RJD leader said.

Incidentally, the tension over security at Rabri’s residence continues to linger despite the state government having returned 18 BMP-2 house guards to her VVIP residence.

HT had carried a report on how the security personnel were sleeping outside her 10, Circular Road residence as they had not been taken back by Rabri Devi, who has been insistent that the chief minister reply on why the BMP-2 house guards were removed in the first place.

“So far, there are no security guards at her 10, Circular road residence. Anybody can see this,” said Bhola Yadav, a close aide of the former CM and RJD MLA.

Rabri, who voluntarily surrendered her security to the state government as a mark of protest against withdrawal of 17 house guards on Tuesday midnight, has also sought clarification from the CM on a number of points.

She has sought a detailed reply on how many security guards (escort, pilot, static, bodyguards and vehicles for security personnel) had been provided to her and RJD chief Lalu Prasad as former chief ministers since 2005. “I want a detailed reply on this, as it concerns my security,” she said in the letter.

Secondly, Rabri has also reiterated that the chief minister should explain by whose orders the 17 house guards were removed from her residence on Tuesday midnight, insisting that Nitish Kumar should reply as to whether the decision was taken with his consent or if he was kept in dark about the whole matter.

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