Lalu seeks transfer of fodder case

laluRanchi, June 24 : RJD chief Lalu Prasad has moved the Jharkhand High Court seeking transfer of a fodder scam case whose verdict has been fixed for July 15.

Lalu Prasad sought the transfer on the ground that Special CBI judge Pravas Kumar Singh, who is hearing the case, was related to a Janata Dal-United leader.

Lalu Prasad's lawyer also informed the CBI court not to deliver the judgment till the Jharkhand High Court gives a ruling on a petition from the former Bihar chief minister.

The hearing in the case had been completed. The CBI court of P. K. Singh June 20 fixed July 15 for the verdict. The court directed all 45 accused to remain present in the court that day.

The case is related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.70 crore from the Chaibasa treasury of Jharkhand.

The 45 accused include Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Jagganth Mishra, also a former Bihar chief minister.

Lalu Prasad stepped down as chief minister in 1997 when his name figured in the CBI investigation in the fodder scam.(IANS)