In a major development in the long-running Land for Jobs scam, a Delhi court on Monday formally framed charges against former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav. The court dropped charges against 52 other accused, marking a significant turn in the high-profile corruption case that has gripped national politics for years.
The case revolves around allegations that during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009, land parcels were acquired in exchange for railway jobs. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been probing the matter, claiming that prime land in Bihar was transferred to Lalu’s family members at throwaway prices.
Special Judge Geetanjali Verma of the Rouse Avenue Court meticulously reviewed the chargesheets filed by both agencies. While charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Indian Penal Code sections for criminal conspiracy, and cheating were framed against the Yadav family members, the court found insufficient evidence against 52 individuals named in the case.
Lalu Prasad, now 76, appeared virtually before the court due to health reasons. His wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi, who is the current Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, were also present. The trio has denied all allegations, calling it a politically motivated witch-hunt by the BJP-led central government ahead of crucial state elections.
The ED alleges that several plots measuring over 1.5 lakh square feet were gifted to Lalu’s family in Patna and other areas, with donors receiving Group D railway appointments without proper selection processes. Key accused like former railway officials and middlemen have been implicated, but many escaped the legal net today.
Legal experts note that framing of charges doesn’t imply guilt, but it sets the stage for a prolonged trial where the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Yadavs’ legal team has already indicated plans to challenge the order in higher courts.
This verdict comes at a sensitive time for Bihar politics, with the RJD-Congress alliance facing anti-incumbency and corruption charges dominating campaign narratives. Tejashwi Yadav, once seen as the rising star of Bihar politics, now faces his biggest legal battle yet.
As the court proceedings continue, all eyes remain on how this case unfolds and its potential impact on the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The Land for Jobs scam continues to symbolize the intersection of power, corruption, and family legacies in Indian politics.