New Delhi : A Delhi court on Thursday framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav and several members of his family in the alleged Railways land-for-jobs corruption case, marking a significant development in the long-running probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The order was passed by the Rouse Avenue Courts, which held that a prima facie case of corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy is made out against the accused. Those charged include Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, and daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, along with several other individuals.
Framing charges under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and allied offences, the special judge observed that the accused appeared to have acted as part of a criminal enterprise. The court noted that public employment in the Indian Railways was allegedly used as leverage to secure immovable properties in the names of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family members and entities linked to them.
According to the prosecution, the CBI’s charge sheet shows that close associates of the former railway minister played a key role in facilitating land transfers in exchange for jobs across different railway zones. The court said the material on record prima facie supports the allegation that land parcels were acquired at prices substantially below market value, with a significant portion of the consideration allegedly paid in cash.
The court’s order clears the way for the commencement of trial in the case. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate is conducting a parallel investigation into the alleged money laundering aspects of the transactions, particularly those linked to land deals in Patna.
With charges now framed, the case enters a crucial phase that could have serious legal and political implications for the RJD leadership in the months ahead.
