What Are the Seven Cases Linked to Lalu Yadav That Upendra Nath Biswas Celebrates?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Seven key cases resulted in the conviction of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
- Bihar's Fodder Scam involved embezzlement of state funds.
- Upendra Nath Biswas remained steadfast amidst external pressures.
- The scam revealed a larger conspiracy involving bureaucrats and politicians.
- The High Court intervened to ensure a fair investigation.
Kolkata, Oct 26 (NationPress) Upendra Nath Biswas, the former CBI Joint Director (East) who was instrumental in the investigation of the Fodder Scam in Bihar, regards seven of the 75 cases associated with this long-standing issue as his prized trophies, all of which led to the conviction of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, the 84-year-old retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer stated, “All these seven cases were linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav and we triumphed despite his attempts to find relief all the way up to the Supreme Court.”
Lauded by his colleagues for his unbiased investigation and resilience against outside pressure during the inquiry, Biswas disclosed that he faced considerable pressure from his superiors to ease the investigation regarding Lalu Prasad Yadav.
“I was instructed to take actions that would allow Lalu Prasad Yadav to appear innocent,” remarked the former CBI officer, who is frequently recognized as the individual who compelled Lalu Prasad Yadav to resign from his position as Chief Minister.
Initially, the government of Bihar sought to investigate the scam internally—an initiative that was thwarted by the High Court, which stated that the government was a party to the case and could not conduct its own inquiry.
Reflecting on the high-profile investigation, Biswas noted, “The individuals who engaged in misappropriation operated at lower levels, but their connections ultimately led us to the Chief Minister.”
“Those who perpetrated the crime financially compensated individuals at higher levels, who subsequently issued orders. This was a broader conspiracy that displayed utter contempt for law and governance,” added Biswas.
The Fodder Scam unfolded during the years 1990-91 and 1995-96. It involved officials from the then Bihar Animal Husbandry Department conspiring with dubious suppliers to withdraw and misappropriate hundreds of crores of rupees under the guise of payments for supplies, which were falsely documented with spurious bills.
It was further claimed that the withdrawn amount was ultimately misappropriated. Throughout the investigation, the involvement of bureaucrats and politicians, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and others, became evident.