Lalu convicted: Timeline of the fodder scam

Chronology of events between 1996 to 2013

A CBI designated court has convicted former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD Chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav and 44 others in the 17 year old fodder scam case. The quantum of sentence will be announced on October 3. Reports suggest that the RJD strongman is expected to face atleast 4 years in prison unless he manages to get the conviction overruled in the Supreme Court. 

Following is the chronology of the fodder scam that has gone through various twists and turns over the last 17 years. 

January 1996:
Fodder scam surfaces after Deputy Commissioner Amit Khare raids offices of animal husbandry department, seizing documents showing syphoning of funds by non-existent companies in the name of supplying fodder.

March 11, 1996:
Patna High Court directs CBI to probe the scam. Supreme Court upholds the order.

March 27, 1996: 
CBI registers FIR in Chaibasa treasury case.

June 23, 1997:
CBI files charge sheet and makes Lalu Prasad accused.

July 30, 1997:
RJD chief Lalu Prasad surrenders before CBI court, sent to judicial custody.

Dec 12, 1997:
Lalu Prasad released on bail after 135 days in judicial custody.

April 5, 2000:
Charges framed before special CBI court.

October 5, 2001:
Supreme Court transfers fodder scam cases to Jharkhand after the creation of new state.

February, 2002:
Trial begins in Ranchi special CBI court.

August 13, 2013:
Supreme Court rejects Lalu Prasad's plea seeking transfer of the trial court judge hearing the case.

September 17, 2013:
Special CBI court reserves judgement.

September 30, 2013:
Two former Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad and Jagganath Mishra along with 45 others convicted by special CBI judge Pravas Kumar Singh.