Nitish govt opposes Central security cover for Rabri Devi

In a communication to the Home Ministry, it said state officials were reluctant to meet or discuss security related issues with the team and pointed out that the lack of cooperation from the state government was indicative of the fact that the ITBP would face serious problems in facilitating proper security for the protectee.

Following this input, the Home Ministry last week summoned the Bihar Home Secretary and Director General of Police to discuss the issue but neither official turned up which, sources said, was another message from the state government that it was disinclined to accept ITBP cover for Rabri.

Bihar Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah, however, said he could not make it to the meeting because of prior commitments. He said Rabri Devi was being provided adequate security “in accordance with the law”.

He pointed out that the former chief minister was being guarded by 96 policemen, led by a DSP. In addition, her house in Patna is guarded round the clock by more than 100 CRPF personnel. The CRPF cover at her residence is because of the fact that her husband Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav also enjoys Z-plus security.

Until a few months ago, Rabri, like her husband, used to be accompanied by commandos of the National Security Guards. That was removed on the recommendations of the state government which argued that multiplicity of security agencies would lead to confusion.