A stern Delhi court has framed serious charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the explosive Land-for-Job racket, declaring it a criminal conspiracy under his watchful eye. Rabri Devi and progeny are also in the dock as the judge dissected the CBI’s evidence, finding enough to warrant a trial.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne’s order is unequivocal: Lalu misused his Railway Ministry clout to secure Group D jobs for select candidates who, in turn, gifted lands to his family. Personal attendance is ordered for all major accused, save Misa Bharti’s video link exemption.
Unraveling between 2004 and 2009, the alleged scam involved prime properties in Patna’s strategic locations transferred via sham sales or gifts. Recipients included Rabri Devi’s accounts, Misa Bharti’s firms, and properties linked to sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap. The timing—land deals coinciding with job letters—seals the prosecution’s narrative.
Relief came for 52 others: CPOs and bureaucrats were discharged, the court noting their limited powers and lack of evidence tying them to Lalu’s influence. CBI chargesheets, filed post-May 2022 FIR, chronicle the scheme with transaction records, witness statements, and official files.
Lalu’s legal team cried foul, with Maninder Singh asserting political bias. They highlighted paid sale documents, no favoritism letters from Lalu, and zero complainant claims of direct dealings. Yet, charges of conspiracy, cheating, and corruption stick against the family core and two ex-aides.
This milestone judgment, following January’s directive, advances a probe that has gripped Bihar politics. As testimonies unfold, the Land-for-Job case threatens to expose deeper rot in railway recruitments, challenging Lalu’s enduring influence and raising questions on governance integrity.