On CBI searches against Lalu Yadav, RJD leader: 'Attempt to muzzle strong voice'

Lalu Prasad Yadav recently got bail in the fifth fodder case; the corruption cases are linked to his tenure as Bihar CM.

Published on: May 20, 2022, 09:51:33 IST

By HT News Desk, Swati Bhasin

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Soon after searches linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav were launched by the CBI across at least 16 locations on Friday, his party colleague slammed the central probe agency over the action. “This is an attempt to muzzle a strong voice. CBI's direction and actions are completely biased,” RJD leader Alok Mehta was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Several RJD leaders were also seen protesting amid the searches.

Former railway minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav suffered various health complications a few weeks back and has slowly started recovering following medication at AIIMS. (ANI PHOTO.) (HT_PRINT)

The fresh searches come weeks after the 73-year-old former union minister was granted bail in the last of the five fodder cases in which he has been convicted. His lawyer told the court that he had served half of the five-year term. The fodder scam pertained to the corruption allegations when the RJD patriarch was the chief minister of Bihar between 1990 and 1997.

Some officials said Friday’s raids were linked to the alleged jobs fraud between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu Yadav was the union minister for railways.

Huge security was seen outside Rabri Yadav’s Patna residence; searches were also carried out in Delhi and Gopalganj among other places.

The RJD chief has also been facing health issues. He was admitted to Delhi’s AIIMS after he was granted bail in April, which delayed his return to Patna.

Action was taken against Lalu Prasad Yadav, a key opposition leader, because he was a BJP critic, his son, Tejashwi Yadav had said earlier. “If Lalu ji would have shaken hands with the BJP, he would have been called Raja Harishchandra, but today he is fighting against RSS- BJP. Hence, he is facing imprisonment. We will not get scared.”

(With inputs from ANI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Swati Bhasin
A newsroom junkie with 11+ years of experience with print and online publications; travel and books are the soup for the soul.Read More

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