J'khand HC grants bail to Lalu in Dumka treasury case

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court on Saturday granted bail to RJD president Lalu Prasad in the Dumka treasury case of the multi-crore rupees fodder scam on completion of half the sentence period, paving way for his release from jail.

The bail order was given by Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh. But, his release will take time for want of completion of formalities.

Prasad's lawyer Devarshi Mandal said that they will move the Special CBI court in Ranchi after it opens on Monday to seek his release following the High Court order.

The RJD chief has been in judicial custody in AIIMS New Delhi since January.

Explaining the release procedure, Mandal said they have sent an application to Prasad for his signature which will be submitted to the CBI court here on Monday along with the HC order.

Since his signed application will be there so Prasad need not appear in person before the CBI court, he said. The CBI court will then send the order to Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi, in whose custody Prasad was originally sent by the court.

The Birsa Munda Jail authorities will send the relevant papers to Tihar Jail in the national Capital, in whose custody Prasad is at present, which will enact the release process of Prasad, Mandal explained.

Mandal said all the formalities are expected to be completed expeditiously and the release in all probability will happen on Monday.

Prasad will be freed after 39 months and 25 days of incarceration.

While allowing bail prayer to Prasad, the court directed him to submit his passport and not leave the country without permission.

It also instructed him not to change his address and mobile number during the bail period.

The court also ordered him to deposit Rs 5 lakh penalty amount each in two cases — one under IPC sections and another Corruption Act — and two sureties of Rs one lakh each.