In a significant development on Thursday, the judge expected to pronounce the sentencing of the RJD chief, Lalu Yadav, in the fodder scam, said that he had received a lot of calls for the former chief minister of Bihar.
The CBI court judge Shivpal Singh said on Thursday that he will “take the decision the way I want to, following the law.”
While deferring the pronouncement of verdict second time in as many days, the judge said, “Laluji, we are getting a lot of references and calls for you, but I told your men that I will take the decision the way I want to, following the law.”
The judge also accused Lalu’s family members – his sons, Tej Pratap and Tejashwi – of mouthing casteist statements like ‘if Yadav was a Mishra, it wouldn’t be so difficult for him,’ reported ANI.
This was after the court deferred the sentencing of Lalu Prasad in a fodder scam case till tomorrow (Friday) when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court with the judge saying he also received phone calls from the RJD chief’s well-wishers, reported PTI.
The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs. 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.
Deferring the sentencing for the second day in a row, CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh said he would decide tomorrow whether the sentence would be given over video conference or in the court. To this, Prasad said he was for personal appearance and assured that there would be no slogans raised in the courtroom by his supporters.
On Thursday, the judge also looked disturbed with the presence of too many people inside the courtroom and said the lawyers, who were not associated with the scam, should leave the courtroom.
This did not go well with the lawyers who then asked the judge to send the media personnel out. The scenario, according to an eye-witness, got chaotic.
The judge then asked the lawyers to put forth their points, but leave the courtroom; so the case can be proceeded.The ANI report further added that during the proceedings, the court also said that Bihar Vigilance Director General, Janata Dal (United) leader Jagdish Sharma and former Bihar Director General of Police DP Ojha were the main masterminds in the scam.
The special CBI court in Ranchi had convicted former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in fodder scam case. The court in Ranchi has acquitted former Bihar Chief Minister, in fodder scam case. Along with Mishra, Dhruv Bhagat, Vidyasagar.