“Do Not Mistake Bail for Acquittal”: Babulal Marandi
Leader of Opposition Attacks Congress Over Celebrations Marking Alamgir Alam’s Release
Ranchi: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has reacted sharply to the bail granted to former minister Alamgir Alam by the Supreme Court, as well as the subsequent celebrations being held by Congress supporters. Posting on the social media platform ‘X’, he stated that obtaining bail is not proof of innocence, and it is incorrect to portray it as an “honorable acquittal.”
Marandi noted that Alamgir Alam—who had been incarcerated in connection with a money laundering and tender commission scam—has received interim relief based on his age and health, subject to strict conditions; this does not constitute a final judicial verdict. He remarked that the manner in which supporters are distributing sweets, bursting firecrackers, and celebrating makes it appear as though a freedom fighter has returned victorious from a struggle.
Raising pertinent questions, he asserted that in a case where approximately ₹32.20 crore in cash was recovered from the residence of the minister's private secretary's domestic help, the public is bound to demand answers. Marandi added that while the entire nation watched piles of currency notes on their TV screens, the state of Jharkhand felt a deep sense of shame.
The Leader of Opposition emphasized that the stain of corruption cases does not fade away easily. Citing an example, he noted that one need only look at the political and legal journey of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to understand that the shadow of such cases continues to haunt an individual for a very long time.
Marandi concluded by stating that the judicial process is still ongoing, and the final verdict is yet to be delivered.
