Delhi court frames charges against Lalu Yadav, family in land-for-jobs scam

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday framed criminal charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former Union railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, children Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and Misa Bharti, along with several others, in the alleged Railways land-for-jobs scam. The court held that a prima facie case of corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy was made out against the accused.Lalu Yadav has been charged under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, while his family members face charges related to cheating and conspiracy under the IPC. The case pertains to allegations that during Yadav’s tenure as railway minister between 2004 and 2009, Group D appointments in the Railways were allegedly made in exchange for land parcels transferred to his family members or linked entities at throwaway prices. Investigators claim that no transparent recruitment process was followed and that land transfers formed part of a quid pro quo arrangement. In its order, the court observed that public employment was allegedly used as leverage to acquire properties, noting an overarching conspiracy involving close associates of Yadav. The court rejected pleas seeking discharge, stating that they were unwarranted at this stage. Of the 98 surviving accused named in the case, charges have been framed against 46, while the remaining have been discharged. The accused have denied the allegations and maintained that the case is politically motivated. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate continues to probe the money laundering aspect linked to the case and has attached properties allegedly acquired as proceeds of crime.