Boxes of unused firecrackers in a car parked outside the Ranchi court
As news came in of Lalu Prasad's conviction in a fodder scam case today, a car parked outside the Ranchi court drove away, boxes of unused firecrackers still in it.
Supporters of the RJD chief who had hoped that their leader would be exonerated in the corruption case, were very disappointed.
Lalu Prasad has been jailed in Jharkhand after a court this morning found him guilty misusing Rs. 37 crore when he was chief minister 17 years ago.
He will be lodged in what is called an upper division cell, which will entitle him to a TV connection that relays only government channels and a newspaper.
The conviction means Mr Prasad is disqualified as a member of parliament, according to a recent Supreme Court judgement. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison, and will be sentenced on Thursday through video conferencing.
In Patna, the official residence of Mr Prasad's wife Rabri Devi wore a deserted look. The gates of the 10, Circular Road home were closed since this morning.
Security personnel deployed outside the residence politely turned away visitors, including media persons.
Today's case is related to a larger scam which saw hundreds of crores being used to pay fictitious bills for medicines and fodder for cattle.
Along with Lalu, 44 others were convicted today. They include former chief minister and Congress leader Jagannath Mishra, two members of the ruling Janata Dal United, and four IAS officers.