Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Railway Minister, and his son, Tejashwi Yadav, former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, have received a major setback from Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court.
Patna: In the 'land for job' scam, the Rouse Avenue Court has issued summons to former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his daughter Hema Yadav, son Tej Pratap Yadav, wife Rabri Devi, and daughter Misa Bharti, along with all other accused. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against 78 people, including Lalu Yadav, in this case. The court has directed all the accused to appear on March 11.
What transpired?
This case involves allegations of providing railway jobs in exchange for land during Lalu Prasad's tenure as Railway Minister (2004-2009). The CBI investigation revealed that land was acquired at significantly undervalued prices from numerous applicants in exchange for Group D railway jobs. The chargesheet names 78 individuals, including Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, former MLA Bhola Yadav, and Premchand Gupta.
March 11 could see significant developments
Special Judge Vishal Gogna, accepting the CBI's chargesheet, has directed all accused to appear in court. According to the investigating agency, this scam was meticulously planned, with Lalu Prasad and his associates directly involved. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 11, making the presence of Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, and other accused mandatory. Failure to appear could result in the issuance of non-bailable warrants against them.
CBI's Investigation and Allegations
The CBI investigation has named 78 individuals as accused, including 30 government employees. The investigation further revealed that jobs were provided bypassing the standard railway recruitment process, in exchange for land acquired in the names of the accused or their relatives. According to the CBI, these properties were later transferred to family members of Lalu Prasad and their associates.
