Lalu wanted Z-plus security in jail, court says NO

Lalu Prasad wanted to keep his Z-plus security in jail, but the Central Bureau of Investigation court in Ranchi, which convicted him in a fodder scam case, turned down his plea.

"After his conviction, Yadav had sought the court's permission to keep his Z-plus security with him, but the court did not permit, it," said additional district magistrate (law and order) and jail the superintendent Dharmendra Pandey.

Z-plus security entitles the former Bihar chief minister to cover provided by National Security Guard black cat commandos.

A squad of 30 commandos, with one small team at one time, was deployed for Prasad's security whenever he travels in any part of the country, after a threat perception analysis favoured such a security ring around him few years ago.

Prasad is also a former Union railway minister.

Sources said that a decision to withdraw the commandos could soon be taken as the threat perception to Prasad, who will now be disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP, scales down in view of his conviction and restriction of movement.

Prasad has been lodged at the Birsa Munda Central Jail after his conviction. The court will pronounce sentence via videoconference on October 3.

Image: Lalu Prasad Yadav waves upon his arrival at a court in Ranchi

Photograph: Reuters