Lalu Prasad Yadav and Family Accused in Land for Jobs Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the Land for Jobs scam case, accusing former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family of obtaining land parcels illegally in exchange for jobs in the Indian Railways. These land parcels have been classified as ‘proceeds of crime’ under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Details of the Scam

According to the ED, Lalu Prasad Yadav, through his family and associates, orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to conceal the acquisition of these land parcels. The landowners, primarily in Mahua Bagh, Patna, were persuaded to sell their land at undervalued prices with the promise of jobs in the Railways. Six of the seven land parcels involved were linked to Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife.

Key Players

Amit Katyal, a close associate, transferred the ownership of A K Infosystems, which held valuable land parcels, to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Lalu’s son, at a nominal price. Bhola Yadav, another close associate, was identified as the key facilitator in these transactions. The properties were often portrayed as gifts from distant relatives, but Misa Bharti, Lalu Prasad’s daughter, denied knowing these individuals.

Investigation Findings

The ED highlighted the use of gift deeds and shell companies to obscure the illegal nature of these land acquisitions. Tejashwi Yadav admitted that while he was a shareholder in A K Infosystems, the company had not engaged in any business activity. Lalu Prasad Yadav consistently denied any involvement, but the investigation contradicted these claims, showing his direct role in appointments and the land deals.

Legal Proceedings

The Rouse Avenue court recently issued summons to Lalu Prasad Yadav, his sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, and other accused. They have been directed to appear on October 7. The court found sufficient material to proceed further against the accused persons.