Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court dropped a bombshell in the Land for Jobs corruption case, framing charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav while acquitting 52 co-accused. This pivotal ruling strengthens the prosecution’s case against Bihar’s first family while narrowing the scope of the decade-old investigation.
Unraveling since 2017, the scam allegedly involved quid pro quo arrangements where railway job aspirants transferred land to Lalu’s relatives during his railway ministry stint. Investigators claim properties worth crores in strategic Patna locations were acquired for nominal consideration or as ‘gifts’.
Today’s hearing saw the court scrutinize voluminous evidence including land deeds, railway appointment records, and witness statements. Judge Geetanjli Verma ruled that prima facie case exists against the main accused for criminal conspiracy, corruption, and forgery, but evidence against peripheral players fell short.
The political implications are seismic. Lalu, the RJD patriarch currently out on bail in related fodder scam cases, faces renewed legal troubles. Daughter Misa Bharti and other family members also figure in the broader investigation. Tejashwi, leading RJD’s youth brigade, risks his image as corruption-free leadership.
Prosecution highlighted how prime plots near Patna airport and strategic highways landed in Yadav family trusts. Defense counsel countered with claims of legitimate transactions and political vendetta, pointing to timing ahead of Bihar polls.
Notably acquitted include several railway employees and landowners whose roles appeared tangential. This pruning of accused list could streamline the trial process, potentially bringing it to conclusion faster than anticipated.
Bihar’s opposition camp views this as BJP’s election plank, while RJD supporters rally behind their leaders. Legal battles aside, the case underscores persistent challenges in political funding transparency and job-for-land nexus that plagued UPA-era railway recruitment.
With charges framed, the next phase involves evidence recording and witness examinations. The Yadavs maintain innocence, promising robust defense. For now, the Land for Jobs case reaffirms that no one – not even political dynasties – remains above the law’s long arm.