Fodder Case: Why Are There Loopholes Allowing Jailed Lalu's Free Movement?
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Synopsis
In a critical interview, former CBI investigator Upendra Nath Biswas highlights glaring loopholes in the legal system that permit jailed convict Lalu Prasad Yadav to engage in public life. With Bihar Assembly elections approaching, these revelations raise questions about judicial integrity and political accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Loopholes in the legal system can undermine justice.
- Former CBI investigator highlights the issue of jailed convicts engaging in public life.
- The fodder scam involved significant financial misappropriation.
- Convictions from the CBI investigations are a record achievement.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav's political career is severely impacted by his conviction.
Kolkata, Oct 26 (NationPress) Former CBI investigator Upendra Nath Biswas, instrumental in the conviction of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the fodder scam, has voiced his concerns over the existing loopholes in the legal system that permit a convicted felon to roam freely after receiving bail on health grounds.
The 84-year-old retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer expressed his frustrations in an exclusive interview with IANS, particularly regarding Lalu's involvement in political activities despite his incarceration.
“Our legal framework is not foolproof. Although Lalu is legally still in jail, he has been granted bail on the basis of his health condition. Medical professionals have issued a certificate stating that he should not remain in prison due to his illness. He requires daily medical attention,” remarked Biswas.
These comments from the former CBI Joint Director come just ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11, when the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader's party is energetically campaigning to regain power after years of political decline that began with his arrest and conviction in the Rs 950 crore fodder scam during the mid-1990s.
Biswas expressed a sense of helplessness regarding Lalu's ability to move freely, effectively undermining the efforts of his CBI team that worked hard to achieve a conviction and sentencing in multiple fodder scam cases.
“This is our law. If you are ill and granted bail for health reasons, you are, in effect, free... For all practical intents and purposes, Lalu is a free man,” he stated, while noting that technically, Lalu still serves a prison sentence.
Nevertheless, Biswas finds some solace in the belief that the CBI's investigation and Lalu's conviction have rendered the former Bihar Chief Minister permanently ineligible to contest elections.
He also takes pride in the fact that all 74-75 cases filed by the CBI related to the fodder scam resulted in convictions, labeling it a “world record.”
The Fodder Scam occurred between 1990-91 and 1995-96, where officials from the Bihar Animal Husbandry Department, in collusion with dishonest suppliers, misappropriated hundreds of crores under the guise of payments for fictitious supplies of feed, fodder, and veterinary medicines.
It was further alleged that the misappropriated government funds were used for personal gain. Throughout the investigation, the involvement of bureaucrats, politicians, including then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, and others was uncovered.
Point of View
It is crucial to ensure that the rule of law is upheld without bias. The existence of legal loopholes that allow individuals to escape the consequences of their actions undermines the very foundation of our democracy. It is imperative for the media to scrutinize such instances to maintain public trust in the judicial system.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns regarding Lalu Prasad Yadav's bail?
The primary concern is that the legal loopholes allow a convicted felon to participate in political activities while technically still serving a prison sentence.
Who is Upendra Nath Biswas?
Upendra Nath Biswas is a former CBI investigator who was instrumental in convicting Lalu Prasad Yadav in the fodder scam case.
What is the fodder scam?
The fodder scam involved misappropriation of government funds by officials from the Bihar Animal Husbandry Department and is estimated to involve over Rs 950 crore.
How many cases did the CBI file in connection with the fodder scam?
The CBI filed around 74-75 cases related to the fodder scam, resulting in a high rate of convictions.
What impact does the fodder scam conviction have on Lalu Prasad's political career?
Lalu Prasad Yadav is rendered permanently ineligible to contest elections due to his conviction in the fodder scam.
