CBI is protecting Lalu, says Nitish

The Bihar government has accused the CBI of protecting Lalu Prasad by not challenging his acquittal in the disproportionate assets case. Bhadra Sinha reports.

The Bihar government has accused the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of protecting Railway Minister Lalu Prasad by not challenging his acquittal in the disproportionate assets case.

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The Nitish Kumar government’s affidavit was filed on Tuesday before the Supreme Court (SC). It is in response to CBI and Lalu’s petition assailing the state’s move challenging the former CM’s acquittal in Patna High Court.

The affidavit says: “It does create an impression that by virtue of the present position of Sri Lalu Prasad in the Union government, the CBI has chosen not to file the appeal on extraneous consideration.”

It has expressed surprise over CBI’s decision to approach the Supreme Court against the state’s appeal.

According to the state government, its right to file appeals against acquittal in a case can’t be taken away if the investigation rights are entrusted to the CBI.

The affidavit says Lalu and Rabri had a total income of Rs 16.55 lakh from known sources. The income was earned while he was CM between 1992 to 1997. However, his expenditure during the same period was more than Rs 20 lakh and he had acquired immovable and movable assets amounting to Rs 42.64 lakh.

Investigations revealed Lalu had disproportionate assets worth more than Rs 46 lakh. Lalu and his wife were acquitted of all charges in December 2006.