A Delhi court has summoned former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their children—Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, and Hema Yadav—in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam. Special Judge Vishal Gogne directed the family to appear before the court on March 11.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has been probing allegations that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Union Railways Minister from 2004 to 2009, job appointments in the Indian Railways were exchanged for land parcels gifted or sold at nominal rates to his family members and associates. The CBI’s investigation culminated in a chargesheet naming 78 individuals, including the Yadav family.
The alleged scheme involved appointments to Group D positions within the West Central Zone of Indian Railways, headquartered in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is claimed that individuals were appointed to these positions without adhering to standard recruitment procedures, in exchange for transferring ownership of their land to the Yadav family. The CBI contends that such transactions were camouflaged as sales but were, in reality, coercive acquisitions made at prices significantly below market value.
In its chargesheet, the CBI detailed instances where candidates or their family members transferred land to companies and trusts allegedly controlled by the Yadav family. These transfers often involved properties situated in prime locations, which were acquired at undervalued prices. The investigative agency asserts that these actions not only violated the norms of public employment but also constituted criminal misconduct and corruption.
The court’s summons follows the CBI’s submission of its final chargesheet in the case. Special Public Prosecutor D P Singh represented the CBI during the proceedings, while advocates Akhilesh Singh and Aekta Vats appeared on behalf of the Yadav family. The legal representatives for the accused have consistently refuted the allegations, asserting that the charges are politically motivated and lack substantive evidence.
This case adds to the series of legal challenges faced by Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has previously been convicted in multiple cases related to the fodder scam, involving the embezzlement of public funds intended for cattle fodder in Bihar during the 1990s. His convictions have led to imprisonment and have barred him from holding public office.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal , the political party led by the Yadav family, has dismissed the current allegations as an attempt to tarnish their reputation. Party spokespersons argue that the timing of the summons is suspicious, especially given the political climate and upcoming elections in Bihar. They maintain that the legal actions are a strategy by rival political entities to undermine the RJD’s influence in the region.
The CBI, however, maintains that its investigation is impartial and based on concrete evidence. Officials from the agency have stated that the charges are backed by documented property transfers, bank statements, and testimonies from individuals allegedly coerced into relinquishing their land. The agency emphasizes that the probe is part of its mandate to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.
Legal experts observing the case suggest that the involvement of multiple family members could complicate the defense’s position. The prosecution is expected to present evidence illustrating a pattern of misconduct, aiming to establish that the alleged land transfers were not isolated incidents but part of a broader scheme orchestrated by the accused.
As the March 11 court date approaches, the Yadav family is anticipated to file petitions challenging the summons and seeking relief from personal appearances, citing health concerns and political obligations. The court’s response to these petitions will likely influence the trajectory of the case and its implications for the family’s political future.
The land-for-jobs case has garnered significant public attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about corruption and nepotism in public office. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching consequences, not only for the Yadav family but also for political accountability and transparency in India.
Observers note that this legal battle could impact the RJD’s standing among its supporters and influence voter sentiment in the forthcoming elections. The party’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its political base will be crucial in determining its future role in Bihar’s political landscape.
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