Fodder scam: CBI counsel pleads maximum punishment for Lalu
The special CBI court in Ranchi in charge of the fodder scam completed its hearing on the quantum of punishment for former Bihar CM and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday. Although the sentence announcements were deferred again, owing to upcoming hearings of six other convicts on Saturday, the CBI counsel pleaded maximum punishment for Lalu.
No sentencing until all hearings are done
"Only when the hearing of all 16 accused is complete, will the judge pronounce the matter. It can be expected on Saturday, but may be deferred if the judge wants more time to peruse through the case," said one of the defense lawyers.
Lalu's hearing done over video call
A massive security force had to be deployed around the court as Lalu's supporters gathered in strength. In an eleventh hour decision, it was decided that the former Bihar CM's hearing in the court of special judge Shiv Pal Singh would be carried out through video conferencing due to security reasons. Lalu's sentencing is expected to be done in the same fashion.
CBI counsel dismisses claims of Lalu's lawyers
According to sources, Lalu Prasad's lawyers had pleaded minimum punishment for the former Bihar CM, citing old age and other health issues. They also maintained that Lalu was never linked directly to the fodder scam, and had always cooperated in legal investigations. The CBI, counsel, however, hit back saying Lalu deserved maximum punishment as his health seemed fine enough to be politically active.
The context of Lalu's sentencing
On 23rd December, Lalu Prasad Yadav and 15 others were held guilty in a case related to the Rs. 1,000 crore fodder scam wherein they were charged will fraudulently withdrawing Rs. 89 lakh from the Deoghar district treasury between 1990 and 1994.
Lalu's younger son chairing meeting between senior RJD leaders
Lalu's sentence was initially expected to be out by 3rd Jan. In anticipation, the RJD had scheduled a meeting among its senior party members. The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 11 am today, was convened to decide future courses of action for the RJD. The meeting is expected to be chaired by Lalu's younger son and Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.
