Kolkata, Oct 26 (NationPress) Former CBI Director Joginder Singh advised me, "don’t touch" RJD President and Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, urging leniency in the Rs 950 crore fodder scam from the 1990s, revealed key investigator and former Joint Director of the federal agency, Upendra Nath Biswas on Sunday.

In an exclusive discussion with IANS, Biswas recounted how, between 1996-1997, former CBI chief Joginder Singh called him to his office and attempted to persuade him to go easy on Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"He said, 'Biswas, do you believe Lalu Yadav is the only corrupt politician? All politicians in India are corrupt. Why are you targeting Lalu? Do something to spare him. Go after anyone but leave Lalu alone,'" expressed the retired Central Bureau of Investigation Joint Director.

Biswas noted that the then CBI Director also assured him that there would be no negative judicial implications if Lalu was let off.

Sharing insights about the long-standing investigation into the Rs 950 crore fodder scam, Biswas, aged 84, mentioned that his team received assistance from some principled officers within the system.

"A pivotal moment in the fodder scam case was a call from a young IAS officer who requested I meet him to collect a trunk-load of crucial documents related to the case," he recounted.

Recognized by his colleagues for his unbiased investigation and resilience against interference during the probe, Biswas revealed that it was only through vigilant court oversight that he was able to resist pressure from higher-ups to ease up on Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Reflecting on the high-profile investigation, he remarked, "The individuals involved in the misappropriation operated at lower levels, but their connections led us to the Chief Minister."

"Those who perpetrated the crime funneled money to upper-level officials, who in turn issued orders. This represented a broader conspiracy that displayed utter contempt for law and governance," asserted Biswas.

The fodder scam unfolded during 1990-91 and 1995-96, where officials from the Bihar Animal Husbandry Department, in collusion with dishonest suppliers and others, misappropriated hundreds of crores under the guise of payments to suppliers, who presented fake bills for feed, fodder, and veterinary supplies.

It was further claimed that the government funds withdrawn were ultimately misappropriated. Throughout the investigation, the roles of bureaucrats and politicians, including the then Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, were highlighted.