In a landmark ruling, a CBI court has sentenced Mohammad Illiyas Hussain, former minister in the undivided Government of Bihar, and four others to three years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the infamous Bitumen Scam.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs32 lakh on each convict, underscoring the gravity of the offence that dates back to the 1996 fraudulent procurement and misappropriation of bitumen, meant for public roadworks.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered the case based on a complaint filed on August 6, 1996.
The scam, which involved high-level manipulation of official documents and embezzlement of government materials, is among the notable corruption cases from the 1990s. With the conviction, the court sent a strong message on accountability and misuse of public office.
Further investigations may reveal more layers to the financial misconduct during that period.
