IRCTC-scam: Lalu Yadav to appear through video conference, court orders
What's the story
RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is lodged in a Ranchi jail in connection to fodder scam, will appear through video conference in the IRCTC case, a Delhi court ordered on Monday.
He has been asked to appear before December 20.
The order was given by Special Judge Arun Bharadwaj after he was informed that Lalu's ill-health stopped him from appearing before the court.
Health
It was reported that Lalu can neither sit nor stand
A few days ago it was reported Lalu's health has deteriorated and he can neither stand or sit.
He was admitted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi under police custody for treatment of diabetes and various illness.
RJD MLA Rekha Devi, who visited Lalu, demanded that he is shifted to a better hospital, but the doctor neither confirmed nor denied her statement.
The scam
Backstory: Former Railway Minister Lalu took bribe
The case relates to irregularities in granting maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels, in Ranchi and Puri, to a private firm.
As the Railway Minister, Lalu allegedly gave the contract to Sujata Hotels, owned by Vinay and Vijay Kochhar, in return of three acres of land in Patna.
The premium plot, which was used as a bribe, was meant for a mall.
The bail
Earlier, Tejashwi and Rabri were granted bails
ED also opposed to the bail application of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her son Tejashwi Yadav.
ED claimed they could influence the case as they were known personalities.
It is pertinent to note Bihar CM Nitish Kumar asked for a clarification from Tejashwi on the scam. Tejashwi's involvement laid the foundation for the fall of the grand alliance in Bihar.