Lalu Sentenced To 14 Years Imprisonment In Fodder Scam Case

Special CBI court on Saturday has sentenced RJD supremo Lalu Prasad to a total 14 years imprisonment and imposed fine of Rs 60 lakhs in a Fodder scam case related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crores from the Dumka treasury.

Lalu has been sentenced to seven years and fined Rs 30 lakh under section 120/420, 409, 467, 468, 471 and 477A of Indian Penal Code.  He has also been awarded seven years jail term and fined Rs 30 lakhs under section 13 (1) (C) and (D) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Both the sentences would run consecutively.

Lalu would undergo an additional term of two years in case he fails to pay the fine.

This is fourth Fodder scam case in which Lalu has been convicted by special CBI court.

The special judge for CBI cases Shiv Pal Singh has sentenced 18 other convicted persons to various terms of imprisonment under the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Among them are government officials, doctors and suppliers.

Former regional director O P Diwakar has been sentenced to a total of 14 years and fined Rs 60 lakhs in the case.

Judge has also passed order that an inquiry is held on the disproportionate assets of the convicted persons acquired after 1990. He said that property whose acquisition is not explained properly by the convicts be confiscated.

The judgment was passed through video conferencing in the first session. Lalu who is undergoing jail term in other Fodder scam cases is currently admitted in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences Ranchi with ailments.

The Fodder scam is related to fraudulent withdrawal of money from Dumka treasury between December 1995 and January 1996. The CBI, which investigated the case, produced 250 witnesses during the trial to prove the charges against the accused persons.

Lalu lawyer Prabhat Kumar stated that they would move to the high court against the judgment.