The fate of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Jagannath Mishra, and 20 others will be decided on Saturday by a special CBI court in Ranchi in the fodder scam case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of more than Rs 89 lakh from Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.
File image of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. PTI
Lalu, accompanied by younger son Tejaswi Yadav, arrived in Ranchi to present himself before the special CBI Judge Shiv Pal Singh.
"I do hope that I will get justice as in the 2G spectrum case…I have full faith in the judiciary but whatever verdict will come, I will abide by it," The Hindu quoted Lalu as saying. "It is the BJP, the RSS and Nitish Kumar who are behind all this … they want me to be sent to jail so that they will have no political opponent, but they don’t know that every worker of the RJD is a Lalu Yadav," he said.
Besides the two ex-chief ministers, former MP RK Rana, three former IAS officers — Phoolchand Singh, Beck Julius and Mahesh Prasad — are also among the 22 accused in the fodder case.
The other accused in the case include former Bihar minister Vidya Sagar Nishad, former Public Accounts Committee chairmen Jagdish Sharma and Dhruv Bhagat.
A chargesheet was filed against 38 persons on 27 October 1997.
Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed to their crime and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.
The accused are facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 409, 418, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 (A), 201 and 511 and under Prevention of Corruption Act section 13 (1)D read with 13 (2).
The order was reserved on 13 December.
Lalu faces three other cases related to the fodder scam.
With inputs from PTI
Published Date: Dec 23, 2017 08:50 pm | Updated Date: Dec 23, 2017 09:07 pm
Highlights
RJD to move HC against fodder scam case order: Raghuvansh
Senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that the party would move the high court against a special CBI court order convicting party chief Lalu Prasad in a fodder scam case on Saturday.
Special judge Shivpal Singh acquitted former chief minister Jagannath Mishra, but convicted Prasad, also a former chief minister, and 15 others in the case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deogarh treasury between 1991 and 1994.
PTI
Watch: 'I had faith because there was no evidence against me,' says Jagannath Mishra after acquittal
Tejashwi Yadav says Lalu Prasad convicted for 'shaking foundation' of established forces
Lalu Prasad's son Tejashwi Yadav took to Twitter to defend the RJD chief and appeal the party members to maintain peace. "Lalu ji was born in poverty and in a 'low' caste. He shook the foundation of the established forces with his firepower. That was, in reality, the biggest 'scam,' the consequences of which are being borne by him," he said.
"Nobody can fight the truth. We will definitely win," he added.
Congress backs Lalu Prasad, says RJD chief prepared to fight
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Manish Tewari said: "As far as today's verdict is concerned, Lalu Prasad Yadav and his lawyer are both prepared to fight this."
He slammed the Nitish Kumar government and further said: "The central charge is embezzlement from the state treasury. And the alleged embezzlement took place when the current chief minister (Nitish Kumar) was the chief minister."
Lalu Prasad Yadav to be lodged in Birsa Munda Central Jail
Lalu Prasad taken into custody
All the properties belonging to Lalu Prasad bought after 1990 to be attached in case, reports CNN News18.
Manoj Jha alleges political conspiracies
Speaking at a press conference, RJD leader Manoj Jha criticised the verdict by special CBI court against Lalu Prasad and said it was the former Bihar chief minister who alerted about the scam. "You are convicting the person who has helped expose the scam. It is a tragedy of errors. This is a clear bias against Lalu Prasad."
Jha alleged a political conspiracy and claimed that the victory "will be ours."
Lalu Prasad Yadav to go behind bars
Jagannath Mishra's lawyer told CNN-News18 that all those convicted will be sent to jail.
Special CBI judge Shivpal Singh reading out verdict, reports India Today
Lalu Prasad's recent court appearances marked by banter and hostility
After the Supreme Court order directing that the trials of the fodder scam cases should be completed within nine months in May, the special CBI court in Ranchi started hearing the matter on a daily basis. On various occasions, accused Lalu Prasad Yadav's interaction with judge Shivpal Singh resulted in laughter on one hand and allegations on the other.
The speedy nature of the trial made Lalu Yadav a frequent visitor from Patna to Ranchi and his body language sometimes compelled the judge to ask informal questions related to his health and well-being. On 14 June, Shivpal Singh asked Lalu, "Aap kaise hain?" (How are you?) to which the RJD leader replied, "Hum theek hain. Aap bulaye aur hum chale aaye." (Sir, I am fine. You remembered me and I turned up).
After that, Lalu's counsel Prabhat Kumar sought exemption for his client from personal appearance. However, the judge declined to grant any exemption. This compelled Lalu to personally plead with folded hands with the judge on 30 June.
Read more
We believe in the judiciary: Lalu Prasad
After reaching Ranchi, RJD leader Lalu Prasad said that he believes in the judiciary: Speaking to Times Now, he said: "Whatever allegations have been levied against us, we have submitted necessary proof to counter that in court, We have come here to hear the verdict, We believe in the judiciary."
Lalu Prasad reaches CBI court in Ranchi
Tight security around Lalu Prasad's Patna residence
Security has since been tightened around the residence of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi in Patna in view of the impending court judgment.
Lalu Prasad, former Union railway minister and Bihar chief minister, has gone to Jharkhand capital Ranchi where a special CBI court will pronounce at 3 pm on Saturday its verdict in a fodder scam case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 84.5 lakh from Deoghar treasury between 1991 and 1994.
The former Union minister told the media on Friday evening before leaving for Ranchi along with younger son Tejashwi Yadav, who is Leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly, that he would get a "clean chit" like those in the 2G spectrum and Adarsh housing society cases. "We trust and respect the judiciary. We will not let the Bharatiya Janata Party's conspiracies work," the RJD leader said.
PTI
Lalu's family seeks divine blessings on judgment day
Even as a verdict in a fodder scam case by a Ranchi court is set to be pronounced on Saturday afternoon, prime accused RJD chief Lalu Prasad's entire family is busy seeking divine intervention to secure "justice" for him.
Lalu Prasad's wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, known for her religious leanings, has organised a special 'puja' at her official — 10, Circular Road — in high security zone.
Lalu's Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap, a former health minister, visited a temple early Saturday morning to pray for his father. "Tej Pratap also offered prayers at his house also," the RJD leader said.
Lalu's daughters, including Misa Bharti who is an RJD Rajya Sabha MP, are also offering prayers and participating in religious rituals.
PTI
Ram Vilas Paswan hits outs at Lalu Prasad Yadav for claiming 'innocence'
Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday slammed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for talking to media about his "innocence" in the fodder scam even as a CBI court was due to deliver its judgement in the case.
The special CBI court in Ranchi will pronounce its verdict later on Saturday in the fodder scam case in which Yadav, a former Bihar chief minister and Union minister, is an accused.
"Whether he is acquitted or convicted, is for the court to decide. We do comment on it, but he is lecturing on the TV since morning even though the judgement is yet to be delivered," Paswan told reporters.
Read here
Look who has come out in support of Lalu Prasad
BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha came out in support of Lalu Prasad when he said this on Twitter:
Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav says they "trust the judiciary"
Original chargesheet included 38 accused persons
A chargesheet was filed against 38 persons on 27 October 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed to their crime and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.
The accused are facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 409, 418, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 (A), 201 and 511 and under Prevention of Corruption Act section 13 (1) D read with 13 (2). The order was reserved on 13 December.
Two former chief ministers among the accused
The fate of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Jagannath Mishra and 20 others will be decided on Saturday by a special CBI court in Ranchi in the fodder scam case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of more than Rs 89 lakh from Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994
Read the full story here
"I do hope that I will get justice as in the 2G spectrum case, Ashok Chavan's case…I have full faith in the judiciary but whatever verdict will come, I will abide by it," Lalu said.
Day of reckoning for Lalu Prasad Yadav as CBI court to decide RJD chief's fate today
20:00 (IST)
After acquittal, Jagannath Mishra says he could never conspire with his 'political rival' Lalu Prasad
19:18 (IST)
Tejashwi Yadav vows to challenge judgment
18:24 (IST)
RJD to move HC against fodder scam case order: Raghuvansh
Senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said that the party would move the high court against a special CBI court order convicting party chief Lalu Prasad in a fodder scam case on Saturday.
Special judge Shivpal Singh acquitted former chief minister Jagannath Mishra, but convicted Prasad, also a former chief minister, and 15 others in the case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deogarh treasury between 1991 and 1994.
PTI
18:07 (IST)
Ravi Shankar Prasad calls it 'privilege' to argue PIL in 1990s which led to probe
17:51 (IST)
BJP leader G Kishan Reddy hails CBI court's verdict in fodder scam case
17:48 (IST)
Watch: 'I had faith because there was no evidence against me,' says Jagannath Mishra after acquittal
17:33 (IST)
Shehzad Poonawalla hints at breaking Congress-RJD alliance if Rahul Gandhi fails to 'take a decision'
17:22 (IST)
Lalu Prasad diverting issue by alleging conspiracy by BJP, says JP Nadda
17:08 (IST)
Tejashwi Yadav says Lalu Prasad convicted for 'shaking foundation' of established forces
Lalu Prasad's son Tejashwi Yadav took to Twitter to defend the RJD chief and appeal the party members to maintain peace. "Lalu ji was born in poverty and in a 'low' caste. He shook the foundation of the established forces with his firepower. That was, in reality, the biggest 'scam,' the consequences of which are being borne by him," he said.
"Nobody can fight the truth. We will definitely win," he added.
16:56 (IST)
Congress backs Lalu Prasad, says RJD chief prepared to fight
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Manish Tewari said: "As far as today's verdict is concerned, Lalu Prasad Yadav and his lawyer are both prepared to fight this."
He slammed the Nitish Kumar government and further said: "The central charge is embezzlement from the state treasury. And the alleged embezzlement took place when the current chief minister (Nitish Kumar) was the chief minister."
16:46 (IST)
Lalu Prasad Yadav brought to Birsa Munda Central Jail
16:41 (IST)
Watch: Lalu Prasad outside CBI court after verdict
16:39 (IST)
Jagganath Mishra among those acquitted
16:37 (IST)
Lalu Prasad taken into police custody
16:36 (IST)
Sushil Kumar Modi says he was one of the petitioners which led to CBI inquiry
16:33 (IST)
BJP IT in-charge Amit Malviya welcomes CBI court's verdict
16:31 (IST)
Lalu Prasad slams 'sly' BJP, accuses saffron party of 'distorting public perception'
16:26 (IST)
Lalu Prasad Yadav to be lodged in Birsa Munda Central Jail
16:15 (IST)
Lalu Prasad taken into custody
16:15 (IST)
Manoj Jha says RJD to seek redressal at higher court
16:13 (IST)
All the properties belonging to Lalu Prasad bought after 1990 to be attached in case, reports CNN News18.
16:11 (IST)
BJP welcomes verdict convicting Lalu Prasad
After the special CBI court in Ranchi convicted Lalu Prasad Yadav, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimaha Rao said that the verdict "reinforces faith in the juduciary."
"Lalu symbolises corrupt politics of the country.. In a democracy, it is important the faith is not eroded. I think, the popular sentiment in this country is that there should be no leniency as far as corruption is concerned," he added.
16:04 (IST)
Sentencing on 3 January
16:02 (IST)
Manoj Jha alleges political conspiracies
Speaking at a press conference, RJD leader Manoj Jha criticised the verdict by special CBI court against Lalu Prasad and said it was the former Bihar chief minister who alerted about the scam. "You are convicting the person who has helped expose the scam. It is a tragedy of errors. This is a clear bias against Lalu Prasad."
Jha alleged a political conspiracy and claimed that the victory "will be ours."
15:52 (IST)
Lalu Prasad Yadav to go behind bars
Jagannath Mishra's lawyer told CNN-News18 that all those convicted will be sent to jail.
15:51 (IST)
CBI court finds 15 people guilty
15:51 (IST)
CBI court finds Lalu Prasad guilty in one of six cases
15:46 (IST)
Chaos outside CBI court ahead of verdict
15:44 (IST)
Special CBI judge Shivpal Singh reading out verdict, reports India Today
15:26 (IST)
Lalu Prasad's recent court appearances marked by banter and hostility
After the Supreme Court order directing that the trials of the fodder scam cases should be completed within nine months in May, the special CBI court in Ranchi started hearing the matter on a daily basis. On various occasions, accused Lalu Prasad Yadav's interaction with judge Shivpal Singh resulted in laughter on one hand and allegations on the other.
The speedy nature of the trial made Lalu Yadav a frequent visitor from Patna to Ranchi and his body language sometimes compelled the judge to ask informal questions related to his health and well-being. On 14 June, Shivpal Singh asked Lalu, "Aap kaise hain?" (How are you?) to which the RJD leader replied, "Hum theek hain. Aap bulaye aur hum chale aaye." (Sir, I am fine. You remembered me and I turned up).
After that, Lalu's counsel Prabhat Kumar sought exemption for his client from personal appearance. However, the judge declined to grant any exemption. This compelled Lalu to personally plead with folded hands with the judge on 30 June.
Read more
15:22 (IST)
Tight security outside CBI court in Ranchi
15:06 (IST)
Lalu Prasad supporters gather outside CBI court in Ranchi ahead of verdict
15:05 (IST)
Fodder scam verdict expectly shortly
15:03 (IST)
We believe in the judiciary: Lalu Prasad
After reaching Ranchi, RJD leader Lalu Prasad said that he believes in the judiciary: Speaking to Times Now, he said: "Whatever allegations have been levied against us, we have submitted necessary proof to counter that in court, We have come here to hear the verdict, We believe in the judiciary."
14:49 (IST)
Lalu Prasad reaches CBI court in Ranchi
14:42 (IST)
Tight security around Lalu Prasad's Patna residence
Security has since been tightened around the residence of Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi in Patna in view of the impending court judgment.
Lalu Prasad, former Union railway minister and Bihar chief minister, has gone to Jharkhand capital Ranchi where a special CBI court will pronounce at 3 pm on Saturday its verdict in a fodder scam case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 84.5 lakh from Deoghar treasury between 1991 and 1994.
The former Union minister told the media on Friday evening before leaving for Ranchi along with younger son Tejashwi Yadav, who is Leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly, that he would get a "clean chit" like those in the 2G spectrum and Adarsh housing society cases. "We trust and respect the judiciary. We will not let the Bharatiya Janata Party's conspiracies work," the RJD leader said.
PTI
14:36 (IST)
Lalu's family seeks divine blessings on judgment day
Even as a verdict in a fodder scam case by a Ranchi court is set to be pronounced on Saturday afternoon, prime accused RJD chief Lalu Prasad's entire family is busy seeking divine intervention to secure "justice" for him.
Lalu Prasad's wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, known for her religious leanings, has organised a special 'puja' at her official — 10, Circular Road — in high security zone.
Lalu's Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap, a former health minister, visited a temple early Saturday morning to pray for his father. "Tej Pratap also offered prayers at his house also," the RJD leader said.
Lalu's daughters, including Misa Bharti who is an RJD Rajya Sabha MP, are also offering prayers and participating in religious rituals.
PTI
14:31 (IST)
Ram Vilas Paswan hits outs at Lalu Prasad Yadav for claiming 'innocence'
Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday slammed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for talking to media about his "innocence" in the fodder scam even as a CBI court was due to deliver its judgement in the case.
The special CBI court in Ranchi will pronounce its verdict later on Saturday in the fodder scam case in which Yadav, a former Bihar chief minister and Union minister, is an accused.
"Whether he is acquitted or convicted, is for the court to decide. We do comment on it, but he is lecturing on the TV since morning even though the judgement is yet to be delivered," Paswan told reporters.
Read here
12:01 (IST)
Meanwhile, ED files chargesheet against Misa Bharti
11:58 (IST)
Lalu is the messiah of the downtrodden: Shivanand Tiwary
"I committed a sin by petitioning against Lalu...He is the messiah of the downtrodden," Shivanand Tiwary, general secretary of RJD who had raked up the fodder scam in the '90s, said.
11:42 (IST)
11:02 (IST)
Fodder scam case verdict expected at 3 pm: Reports
10:55 (IST)
10:54 (IST)
Look who has come out in support of Lalu Prasad
BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha came out in support of Lalu Prasad when he said this on Twitter:
10:46 (IST)
10:42 (IST)
Lalu Prasad reaches court in Ranchi, verdict to be out shortly
10:41 (IST)
Lalu appeals to people of Bihar to maintain peace
"I am thankful to all the people of Bihar. I am sure we will get justice. We will uproot the BJP, irrespective of whatever situation we are in," Prasad said.
"I appeal to the people of Bihar to maintain peace, irrespective of which verdict comes out," said the former Bihar chief minister.
10:18 (IST)
Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav says they "trust the judiciary"
10:15 (IST)
Original chargesheet included 38 accused persons
A chargesheet was filed against 38 persons on 27 October 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed to their crime and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.
The accused are facing charges under IPC sections 120B, 409, 418, 420, 467, 468, 471, 477 (A), 201 and 511 and under Prevention of Corruption Act section 13 (1) D read with 13 (2). The order was reserved on 13 December.
10:04 (IST)
A total of 22 people are accused in the fodder scam
Besides the two ex-chief ministers, former MP RK Rana, three former IAS officers — Phoolchand Singh, Beck Julius and Mahesh Prasad — are also among the 22 accused in the fodder case.
The other accused in the case include former Bihar minister Vidya Sagar Nishad, former Public Accounts Committee chairmen Jagdish Sharma and Dhruv Bhagat.