The Bihar government withdrew Z-plus security cover for former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi on June 5, 2024 [1].
This decision marks a significant reduction in protection for two of the state's most prominent political figures. The move follows a government effort to rationalise the security provided to various VIPs across the state [1], [2].
Under the new arrangement, the high-level Z-plus detail is replaced by Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) protection [1]. A Z-plus security cover typically consists of a dedicated team of 55 personnel [1]. By shifting to BSAP protection, the state is reducing the scale of the security apparatus surrounding the RJD leaders.
"The Z-plus security comprises a dedicated team of trained personnel, and after a review we have decided to replace it with BSAP protection," a senior Bihar government official said [1].
Both leaders indicated they would comply with the state's directive. Following the announcement, the couple began sending back the specialized security personnel [3].
"We have sent back the security personnel as per the government's decision," Lalu Prasad Yadav said [3].
Rabri Devi also expressed her willingness to follow the new protocol. "We respect the government's decision and will cooperate," she said [4].
The rationalisation process is part of a broader review of threat levels, and the allocation of state resources for VIP protection in Bihar [1], [2]. The government has not specified the exact number of BSAP personnel who will replace the previous detail, but the shift represents a downgrade from the Z-plus tier.
“The Bihar government withdrew Z-plus security cover for former chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi.”
The downgrade of security for the Yadav family reflects a shift in the state's assessment of their immediate threat level or a broader administrative push to reduce the cost and manpower associated with VIP protection. By replacing a specialized Z-plus unit with BSAP personnel, the government is prioritizing the rationalization of police resources over the highest tier of personal security for former officials.
