In a major development in one of India’s most high-profile corruption cases, a Delhi court has formally framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi in the alleged Land-for-Job scam. The Rouse Avenue Court observed that there appears to have been a large-scale criminal conspiracy under Lalu’s direct supervision during his tenure.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne delivered the verdict, emphasizing that the accused must appear personally in court unless granted special permission. An exemption was given to Misa Bharti, Lalu’s daughter, allowing her to join proceedings via video conferencing due to age and health concerns. The court found sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed against Lalu, who is accused of abusing his position to trade railway jobs for land parcels gifted to his family members.
The scam allegedly unfolded between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu held the railway portfolio. Prosecutors claim he orchestrated a scheme where Group D railway appointments were doled out in exchange for immovable properties transferred to relatives, including Rabri Devi, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, and sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav.
Notably, the court acquitted 52 individuals, including Chief Personnel Officers (CPOs) and other railway officials, stating they lacked appointment authority and no proof existed of coercion by the minister. The CBI’s chargesheet meticulously outlined the modus operandi, detailing how candidates secured jobs post land transfers.
Lalu’s counsel, senior advocate Maninder Singh, vehemently denied the allegations, calling the case politically motivated. He argued that property deeds clearly showed legitimate purchases with payments, no recommendations were made by Lalu for candidates, and no witnesses claimed meetings with him. Despite these defenses, the court proceeded with framing charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption against key family members and associates.
The CBI registered the FIR on May 18, 2022, filing two chargesheets and two supplementary ones against 103 accused, five of whom have since passed away. This ruling marks a significant step, setting the stage for a full trial that could have profound implications for Lalu’s political legacy and the RJD party’s fortunes in Bihar.