Date:04/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/04/stories/2007110461221500.htm

National

Lalu flays Nitish for reducing security cover

Special Correspondent

Z-plus security as Minister to be continued
Not to petition government for restoring it

PATNA: Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Saturday assailed the Bihar government for reducing his security cover on the ground that he was no longer entitled to special treatment as the former Chief Minister. He said that he would not petition the government for restoring it.

The Bihar Special Security Group Act, 2000, entitles former Chief Ministers to special security for five years from the day they demitted office. The government decided against reviewing the clause under which Mr. Prasad was permitted special security till September.

While withdrawing more than 100 police personnel and six vehicles, including a bullet-proof car, the government clarified that he would continue to enjoy Z-plus security as the Railway Minister. His wife and also a former Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, would continue to enjoy the special security cover.

Mr. Prasad accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of protecting his party (JD-U) legislator Anant Singh in connection with the alleged murder of Reshma Khatoon.

“Eyewash”

He dubbed as eyewash Mr. Kumar’s move to refer the case to the CBI. “It is a delaying tactics,” he said. No FIR had been lodged against Mr. Anant Singh and two of his accomplices, whom Reshma had named in her letter found on her body, he said.

He wondered why Mr. Kumar had not called for an investigation and had the JD(U) MLA interrogated.

Mr. Prasad demanded that Mr. Kumar explain his relation with Mr. Singh and the protection provided to him with the help of which, he perpetrated the most heinous of crimes.