Patna, Sep 30 (IANS): The multi-million animal husbandry department scam in Bihar, popularly known as the fodder scam, surfaced in early 1996.

The Patna High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), ordered a CBI probe in 1996.

Lalu Prasad quit chief ministership in 1997 when his name figured in the CBI investigation as one of those involved in a fodder scam case.

The CBI filed total 61 cases. Of these, 54 were transferred to Jharkhand after it was carved out from Bihar in 2000.

Lalu Prasad stood as an accused in five cases, including the RC 20 A/96 that related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs.37.70 crore from Chaibasa district treasury.

The RC 20 A/96 case surfaced in January 1996 when Amit Khare, now on deputation to the central government, was then West Singhbhum deputy commissioner. Lalu Prasad was the chief minister of the state and the case was handed over to the state vigilance.

Lalu Prasad moved the Supreme Court against the order and the apex court asked the Patna High Court to monitor it.

The CBI lodged the case against 56 people, including Lalu Prasad, former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, and 43 others for fraudulent withdrawal of cash from the Chaibasa treasury.

The CBI filed charge sheet in this case in 2000 and the trial of the case began.

After 13 years, the judgment date was fixed July 15 by the Special CBI court of Judge P.K. Singh.

Lalu Prasad moved the Jharkhand High Court and later the Supreme Court seeking change of judge of the case. Both courts dismissed his petition and directed him to complete arguments in the case before the Special CBI court.

Lalu Prasad's lawyer completed arguments in the case Sep 17 and the court fixed Sep 30 as the date for the verdict.

On Monday, the Special CBI court held Lalu Prasad guilty in fodder scam.

The quantum of punishment would be pronounced Oct 3, the court ruled.