VVIP security for Lalu, Rabri withdrawn at Patna airport

Patna: In another setback after the CBI raids, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi will no more enjoy the privilege of direct access to Patna airport or be provided VVIP security at the airport premises, officials said on Saturday. The direct access to the tarmac has been scrapped by the Civil Aviation Ministry. "With the latest directive of the Civil Aviation Ministry, now both Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will have to stand in queue for security check like common people," an official of the Patna airport said. According to officials, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi's vehicle will not be allowed to go through the state hangar area. RJD leaders have strongly reacted to the development, accusing the BJP-led central government of playing with the security of Lalu Prasad. "It is a clear case of harassment of Lalu Prasad by the central government," RJD leader Bhai Virender said. RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha questioned the Civil Aviation Ministry's decision to deprive the privilege to Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. "Lalu Prasad is a former Bihar Chief Minister and former union Railways Minister. He is one of the most popular mass leaders in the country," Jha said.