The Enforcement Directorate questioned Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Monday for over nine hours in connection with the agency's money laundering probe into the alleged land-for-jobs scam, officials said.
Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya claimed, "If something happens to my father today, ‘chameleon’ (targeting Nitish Kumar) along with the CBI and ED will be held responsible." She further asserted that Prasad is alone but not weak, calling him a lion.
According to PTI, Prasad was accompanied by his daughter Misa Bharti and arrived at the ED office in Patna for questioning around 11 am and left at 8.50 pm.
The investigating officer of the case recorded Prasad’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reportedly.
The central agency, on January 19, issued fresh summons for questioning Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav.
The RJD chief appeared before the central agency a day after JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ditched the 'Mahagathbandhan' in which the RJD is the largest constituent, and the opposition bloc INDIA to form a new government in the state with support of the BJP.
Bharti told the reporters that due to his age and health conditions, Lalu Parasad needs help of someone to accompany him whenever he goes somewhere.
She further took a dig at the ruling party and claimed,“It’s quite obvious that as the Lok Sabha polls are approaching, the Centre is targeting opposition leaders through the ED and CBI."
Rohini Acharya, his other daughter said that even after repeated requests by her sister Bharti, ED officials did not allow any assistant of the RJD chief to enter the central agency's office and accompany him.
In a post on X Acharya wrote, "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."
She also added, "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."
