Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court delivered a procedural breather to the Yadav family in the ongoing Land for Jobs corruption case. Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap have been excused from mandatory court appearances from February 1 to 25. This period is crucial for formalizing charges in the CBI investigation.
In contrast, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav marked their presence, firmly rejecting the accusations. With charges set, the court gears up for intensive daily trials beginning March 9, where prosecution will present its arsenal of evidence.
Rabri Devi’s Bold Move
Earlier, Rabri Devi approached the Principal District and Sessions Judge with a transfer petition for four pending cases. Targeting Judge Vishal Gogne, she sought relocation of the IRCTC scam, Land for Jobs, and associated money laundering matters to another bench.
Her application highlighted perceived bias, pointing to prosecution-leaning decisions in prior orders. ‘There is a well-thought-out conspiracy against me and my family,’ she argued, emphasizing instances of discriminatory conduct that eroded trust in impartiality.
The plea underscored the need for transfer to ensure justice, equality, and fairness, arguing that continued proceedings under the current judge could prejudice the defense.
Unraveling the Scam
At the heart lies allegations of quid pro quo: railway jobs allegedly traded for land gifts to the Yadavs during Lalu’s ministerial stint from 2004-2009. CBI raids revealed dubious land deals worth crores, fueling charges of criminal conspiracy and corruption.
October’s charge-sheet in the IRCTC case linked similar patterns, intensifying pressure on the family. As hearings intensify, the Yadavs brace for a battle that could redefine their political legacy amid Bihar’s charged electoral landscape.