Why in news?
A special CBI court sentenced former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad to 3.5 years imprisonment in the 2nd fodder scam case
How did the case evolve?
- The 900-crore fodder scam cases first cropped up in 1996 and charge-sheet was filed against Mr. Lalu by CBI in 1997.
- Trial began in 2002 in the special CBI court at Ranchi.
- In 2013, Mr. Lalu was convicted in the 1st fodder scam case and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment along with Rs25 lakh fine.
- Recently, the CBI court had convicted Mr. Lalu and 15 others and the current one is for the 2nd of six fodder scam cases.
- The 2nd case pertains to embezzling of about Rs89 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury in the 1991-94 period.
- Significantly, Mr.Lalu and 7 others were sentenced with 3.5 years imprisonment along with a fine of 5 lakhs each.
- After the verdict, Mr. Lalu was taken into custody and taken to the Birsa Munda Prison in Ranchi.
What were the implications?
- After spending 2 months in jail in the 1st conviction, Mr. Lalu was granted bail and the case is now pending before the HC.
- However, it did cost him his Lok Sabha seat as any conviction would mean automatic disqualification.
How has the political reactions been?
- Mr. Lalu’s RJD is expected to appeal against the verdict in Higher Courts.
- The NDA allies have welcomed the judgement and have stressed that their view on Lalu has been vindicated by the courts.
- The verdict is bound to have long term political ramifications in Bihar and beyond.
Source: Live Mint
