2nd Fodder Scam Case

Why in news?

A special CBI court sentenced former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad to 3.5 years imprisonment in the 2^nd 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 1^st 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 2^nd of six fodder scam cases.
The 2^nd 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 1^st 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