In a fresh setback to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, a Delhi court today framed charges against the accused in the alleged Railways land-for-jobs corruption case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. 

 

 

The Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order holding that a prima facie case of corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy is made out against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, and several other accused.

 

 

The court, paving the way for the trial, framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, along with other offences.

 

 

Pronouncing the order, the Special Judge observed that Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members were operating as a criminal enterprise and part of a broader conspiracy, wherein public employment in the Indian Railways was allegedly exploited as a bargaining chip to obtain immovable properties.

 

 

The court held that the Central agency’s charge sheet prima facie shows that close associates of Lalu Prasad Yadav facilitated the acquisition of land in lieu of jobs in the Railways across different parts of the country.

 

 

According to the CBI, parcels of land were acquired in the names of Lalu’s family members and a company linked to them, often at rates below market value and largely through cash transactions.

 

 

In return, railway jobs were allegedly provided across various zones. The Enforcement Directorate is probing the alleged money laundering trail linked to land transfers in Patna.