Koda has been framed, say parents, villagers

As former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda was awarded a three-year jail term in the coal block allocation scam on Saturday, his native village in West Singhbhum district expressed shock and disbelief.

PATNA: As former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda was awarded a three-year jail term in the coal block allocation scam on Saturday, his native village in West Singhbhum district expressed shock and disbelief.

After hearing the news on TV, Koda’s parents and villagers said the “simple man and honest politician” was framed by “powerful manipulators” who escaped punishment.

“My son did not commit any wrong. He has committed no theft in his life. He was framed by some people in this case,” said his mother Kuni Kui Koda, 70, to journalists who met her at her home in Patahatu village.

“I raised him by working very hard. When he was a little schoolboy, he would spend just the four annas I gave him and no more. He would never steal,” she added, hoping that Koda would be acquitted in the case.
His father, Rasika Koda, 75, was glad the ex-CM got statutory bail of two months to appeal the conviction in Delhi High Court. “Madhu grew up amid poverty, and he has been kind and honest all along. Some powerful manipulators used him, and he failed to know. Now he cannot pay the big fine of `25 lakh imposed by the court,” he said.

“The people of West Singbhum feel sad to know that Madhu Koda got a three-year jail term. He has been a simple man and an honest politician. He was kept in the dark by people whom he trusted,” said a Jagannathpur resident.

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