Pappu breaks down on hearing sentence

Controversial RJD Lok Sabha member from Madhepura Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on Thursday broke down as the Special CBI Judge BM Srivastava sentenced him to life imprisonment in the CPI-M MLA Ajit Sarkar murder case.

"I have been through severe mental and physical torture in jail and even had to spend time in a mental asylum. Please show leniency and commute my punishment," Pappu was said to have requested the CBI judge with tears rolling down his eyes.

"My family has been ruined. I have not met my son and daughter during the past over six months," he argued. "I also request you to kindly direct the authorities to allow me to meet my family members from time to time," Pappu, who was brought on a wheel chair to the court, urged the judge with folded hands.

"You always have the option of moving the superior court for relief," the Judge was reported to have said. Security measures were tightened in and around the Civil Court premises when the judge pronounced his verdict.

Except for the lawyers and the court employees, visitors and mediamen were not allowed entry to the court room on the first floor of the Civil Court building.

Hundreds of Pappu's supporters who had gathered to know about the outcome of Thursday's proceedings were a disappointed lot and most of them were seen wearing a sullen look. They retreated soon after the judgement was pronounced.