A Delhi court on Friday framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and several members of his family in the alleged land-for-jobs scam, formally paving the way for a full-fledged trial in the high-profile corruption case.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne said there was sufficient material on record to proceed against Lalu Yadav, his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, along with other accused. The charges have been framed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, besides sections related to cheating and criminal conspiracy.
According to the court, the allegations point to a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” in which railway jobs were allegedly used as a bargaining tool to acquire immovable properties. Lalu Yadav served as the Union Railway Minister during the UPA government between 2004 and 2009, a period during which the alleged offences took place.
The judge observed that the prosecution’s material indicates that the accused were “operating as a criminal enterprise”, with close aides and associates playing a key role in facilitating land deals in exchange for appointments in the Indian Railways across multiple zones. The properties, the CBI claims, were often transferred at prices significantly below market value and involved substantial cash transactions.
The court rejected pleas filed by Lalu Yadav and his family members seeking discharge from the case, calling them “completely unwarranted” at this stage. Out of 98 accused named earlier, charges have been framed against 46, while 52 others have been discharged.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate is conducting a parallel probe into alleged money laundering linked to the land transfers, particularly those connected to properties in Patna. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 29.
