A Delhi court is expected to announce its decision on whether to frame charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members in a land-for-job corruption case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court will determine if charges should be brought against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, and other accused individuals. The accused, including members of the Lalu family, have been summoned to appear in court.
Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts had reserved his decision on whether charges should be framed against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 during the last hearing. The case revolves around alleged corruption activities between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad served as the Union Railway Minister. The CBI alleges that land was acquired in the names of Lalu’s family members and a related company at rates below market value, with cash transactions, in exchange for railway job placements across different zones.
The CBI has identified 103 accused in the case, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, and Tej Pratap Yadav. Five accused have passed away, leading to the abatement of proceedings against them. Lalu Prasad has received sanction from the Union Home Ministry for prosecution in the case. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating potential money laundering associated with land transfers in Patna.
In a related development, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the CBI following a plea by Tejashwi Yadav challenging a trial court order that directed the framing of criminal charges against him and his family members in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam case. Tejashwi Yadav has contested the Rouse Avenue Court’s decision, which found grounds to proceed against him and others for corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating in connection with the IRCTC scam.
