Lalu-Fodder scam - SC orders separate trials for 4 cases
In a major set back for RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Supreme Court has ordered separate trials in all four cases registered against him in the Rs. 1000 crore fodder scam. The SC was hearing a CBI plea challenging the Jharkhand High Court's dropping of conspiracy charges against him. The SC asked the trial court to complete the trial in 9 months.
Why did Jharkhand HC drop the charges?
The Jharkhand HC upheld investigations against Lalu for 2 offences, for causing disappearance of evidence of an offense and for attempting to commit offenses punishable with imprisonment for life. It dropped the other 2 charges saying he can't be tried for the same offence twice.
What is the fodder scam?
The fodder scam dates back to the 1990s. It involved the embezzlement of Rs. 1000 crore from the Bihar government treasury during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Bihar's CM from 1990 to 1997. Fake invoices were used to siphon out the money which was claimed to have been used to procure food and medicines for cattle.
Lalu's political career in jeopardy
The High Court had already sentenced Lalu to 5 years in prison over the scam. However, he is currently challenging the verdict in the Supreme Court. If Lalu is convicted in any other of the investigations into the scam, analysts say his political career in Bihar may be in jeopardy. He is already facing severe flak for contacting jailed gangster Mohd Shahabuddin.
