Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar will continue to receive Z-Plus category security even after demitting office, according to an order issued by the state’s home department.
The directive, issued by the special branch on Tuesday, instructs the director general of police and the DG (special branch) to ensure the continuation of the highest level of security cover for Nitish under the Bihar Special Security Act, 2000.
The decision comes in the wake of Nitish’s recent election to the Rajya Sabha. He is expected to step down as chief minister and formally assume his new role in the upper house, with his oath-taking scheduled for April 10.
Officials said a review of Nitish’s security requirements led to the decision to maintain Z-Plus protection even after he leaves office. He had already resigned from his membership of the Bihar legislative council on March 30 following his election to parliament.
Z-Plus security is the highest category of protection provided to VVIPs in India. It typically involves the deployment of around 55 trained personnel, including more than 10 commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG), forming a multi-layered security cordon.
The arrangement includes a three-tier system comprising NSG commandos in the inner ring, followed by specialised protection units and local police or paramilitary forces.
