RJD President Lalu Prasad appeared before the ED a day after JD(U) president and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar ditched the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in which the RJD was the largest constituent.
On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) engaged in a rigorous interrogation session with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad lasting over nine hours. This interrogation marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation concerning the central agency’s probe into the alleged land-for-jobs scam, as reported by the news agency PTI. Accompanied by his daughter Misa Bharti, Prasad arrived at the ED office in Patna for questioning at approximately 11 am, and their session concluded at 8:50 pm.
As per news agency ANI, a considerable crowd of RJD workers gathered outside the ED office in Patna at the time of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s departure.
RJD president appeared before the central agency a day after JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ditched the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in which the RJD was the largest constituent and the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A to form a new government in the state with the support of the BJP.
The central agency had on January 19 issued a fresh summons for questioning Lalu and his son Tejashwi Yadav in connection with the case. The summons notice was handed over by ED to Prasad’s wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna. Both were asked to appear before the ED officials on January 29 and 30 respectively, reported PTI.
Centre Targeting Opposition Leaders Through ED And CBI: Lalu Yadav’s Daughter Misa Bharti
Prior to entering the ED office, Misa Bharti, daughter of Lalu Yadav, addressed reporters, stating, “Whenever any agency calls our family members for questioning… we go there, cooperate with them, and answer all their queries. Because of his health condition, it is difficult for him (Prasad) to move on his own. Someone has to accompany him whenever he goes somewhere.”
Expressing apprehension regarding the timing of the investigation, Bharti alleged, “It’s quite obvious that as the Lok Sabha polls are approaching, the Centre is targeting opposition leaders through the ED and CBI,” as quoted by PTI.
Raising concerns about the treatment of her father during the interrogation, Prasad’s daughter based in Singapore, Rohini Acharya, asserted, “Everyone knows about the health condition of my father… he can’t even walk without support. Despite that, ED officials did not allow any assistant to enter their office and accompany him. It’s inhuman behavior… shame on you and your bosses.”
Acharya issued a warning, stating, “If something happens to my father today, ‘chameleon’ (targeting Nitish Kumar) along with the CBI and ED will be held responsible. The lion (Prasad) is alone but not weak.”
According to PTI, a team of its officials from Delhi arrived in Patna on Sunday to question the RJD leader in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam.