Patna, December 27: Chandrika Rai, father of Aishwarya Rai, who is the estranged wife of Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, refused to accept the dowry articles returned by Rabri Devi on Thursday night. Chandrika Rai said that Tej Pratap Yadav's family may have sent liquor or explosives hiding it in "dowry" items to frame him. Rabri Devi returned "dowry" articles, mostly furniture, in two pick-up vans. Tej Pratap Yadav is Back! Lalu Prasad Yadav's Elder Son Dresses Up as Lord Shiva, Offers Prayers at Temple.

On December 18, Rabri Devi had recieved a notice from the women’s helpline. The notice sought former Bihar chief minister's response to an application by Poornima Devi, mother of her daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, who demanded the return of all articles given as "dowry". Therefore, Rabri Devi sent articles to Chandrika Rai's residence. However, the former RJD legislator refused to accept it, alleging that it was not in conformity to the legal provisions.

"As per the law, an inventory list shall be prepared in front of magistrate and police officer before dispatching the articles. How can I accept them, as the consignment might carry some contraband like liquor or explosives," Rai was quoted by Times of India as saying. His reaction drew a sharp response from Rabri Devi’s daughter and Rajya Sabha member Misa Bharti who accused him of defaming the Yadav family.

A divorce case is pending in court between Tej Pratap Yadav and his wife Aishwarya Rai. Earlier, Aishwarya accused Tej Pratap, Rabri Devi and Misa Bharti of harassing and assaulting her. In an FIR lodged at the Mahila police station, Aishwarya said that she was assaulted and dragged out of Rabri Devi's house at 10, Circular Road on December 15.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 27, 2019 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).