The Fodder Scam Case Comes to a Verdict after 17 Years

SCAM// A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on October 16, 2013, sentenced RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad to five years rigorous imprisonment in a 17-year-old fodder scam case, thus disqualifying him as MP. Former Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra and JD(U) MP Jagdish Sharma were both given four years rigorous imprisonment each. “In this case, two of the honourable members of Parliament, namely Dr Jagdish Sharma... and Sri Lalu Prasad have been convicted by the court for the offences under Prevention of Corruption Act as well as for criminal conspiracy... The CBI is directed to immediately inform the honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha... regarding the conviction,” said the court. Sharma also stands to lose his Lok Sabha seat. Special Judge Pravas Kumar Singh also imposed fines of `25 lakh on Lalu Prasad, `5 lakh on Jagdish Sharma and `2 lakh on Jagannath Mishra. Prasad was convicted with 44 others on September 30.

“The availing of hospitality and pecuniary gains by these politicians and executives finally and decisively implicates them,” said the court in its 568-page order. “When corruption was sought to be eliminated from the polity, all possible stringent measures are to be adopted within the bounds of law. One such measure is to provide condign punishment,” said the judge. The defence argued that the accused have been suffering for the last 17 years, during which they have aged, and giving them long jail terms will be tantamount to capital punishment.

“...in criminal justice system, it may take years for final conclusion of the trial. It is true that the accused has suffered ordeals of the trial, but how can one forget the agony of the society and the public who was waiting for the result and the final outcome of the trial,” said the court.

A few days RJD into his jail sentence, Lalu Prasad faced security threats as he leads a life of comfort as a prisoner, Jharkhand Police has said. The special branch of Jharkhand Police has alerted the jail administration about Lalu Prasad’s security. “Lalu Prasad may face a security threat, and should be given adequate security in the jail,” an official of the special branch said, expressing concern. Lalu Prasad has been kept in the upper division of the jail, where he is separated from other prisoners. He has also been provided all facilities extended to VIP prisoners—a separate bedroom, a mosquito net, cot and other facilities. There is also a TV set in the cell, and he is allowed to watch Doordarsan and read newspapers every day. Jail authorities have been asked to keep a proper vigil on the security of the former chief minister.