Bihar Government Revokes Z-Plus Security Cover for Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi

PATNA, Jun 5: The Bihar government has revised the security arrangements of several high-profile political figures, withdrawing the Z-Plus security cover previously provided to veteran Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi following an official review of VIP protection in the state.

According to a government notification issued on Thursday, the former chief ministers will no longer receive the highest category of state security. Instead, their protection will now be handled by personnel from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) under a revised security framework.

Officials said the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of security requirements for various protected individuals across Bihar. The review examined threat perceptions, deployment requirements, and existing protection arrangements before recommending changes.

The move also affects Tej Pratap Yadav, leader of the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) and elder son of Lalu Prasad. Authorities have withdrawn the Y-category security cover that had been assigned to him earlier.

Government sources explained that Z-Plus security typically involves a larger contingent of specially trained personnel equipped with advanced weapons and support infrastructure. The category is considered one of the highest levels of security available to public figures facing elevated threat perceptions.

Despite the withdrawal of Z-Plus cover, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will continue to receive security protection. Their revised arrangement includes house guards from the Bihar Special Armed Police, personal security officers from the district force, and other protective measures deemed necessary by the authorities.

Officials noted that the changes are administrative in nature and stem from periodic reviews conducted by the state government to ensure that security resources are allocated efficiently and in accordance with current assessments.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government has decided to retain the Y-Plus security cover provided to Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. Authorities indicated that his existing protection arrangement will continue without any modification.

The notification further clarified that security provisions for Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti, the eldest daughter of Lalu Prasad, will remain unchanged. Similar arrangements will continue for Rajshree Yadav, wife of Tejashwi Yadav, ensuring that their current protective cover is not affected by the latest review.

The decision has drawn political attention given the stature of the leaders involved. Lalu Prasad remains one of Bihar’s most influential political figures and continues to play a significant role in shaping the RJD’s strategy and direction. Rabri Devi, a former chief minister and senior party leader, also remains active in state politics.

Security reviews involving political leaders are periodically undertaken by state governments based on recommendations from law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Such exercises are intended to align security deployment with updated assessments while optimizing the use of personnel and resources.

Officials stressed that security arrangements can be revised at any time depending on changing circumstances, intelligence inputs, or threat evaluations. They reiterated that adequate protection would continue to be provided to all designated individuals as per established protocols.

The latest changes mark a significant adjustment in Bihar’s VIP security framework and are expected to remain in effect unless future reviews recommend further modifications. The state administration maintains that the decisions have been taken in accordance with standard procedures and professional security assessments.