Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi in Land-for-Jobs Scam Case

New Delhi — A Delhi court has framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and several others in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The case, being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), pertains to appointments made in the Indian Railways during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009.

📌 What the Case Is About

The CBI has alleged that:

• Several individuals were appointed to Group D posts in the Railways without any public advertisement or official recruitment notification.

• No public notices were issued for these appointments.

• In return, the appointees or their family members allegedly transferred land parcels — either through sale or gift deeds — to Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and a private firm linked to them.

According to the agency, the land parcels were located in Bihar and were transferred at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates.

⚖️ Court Proceedings

After reviewing the charge sheet and hearing arguments from both sides, the court found sufficient grounds to frame charges under sections related to:

• Criminal conspiracy

• Cheating

• Corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act

Framing of charges means the court has determined that there is prima facie evidence to proceed with trial; it does not amount to a conviction.

🧾 CBI’s Allegations

The CBI claims that:

• The recruitment process was bypassed.

• Candidates were selected without following due procedure.

• The alleged land transfers were a quid pro quo arrangement for securing railway jobs.

The agency also named family members and associates of Lalu Prasad in its investigation.

🗣 Defence Stand

Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have denied all allegations, terming the case politically motivated. Their legal team has previously argued that:

• The transactions were lawful and properly documented.

• There was no irregularity in recruitment.

• The case is being used to target opposition leaders.

📍 Political Implications

The development carries political significance as Lalu Prasad Yadav remains a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), a key regional party in Bihar. The case is likely to intensify political debate ahead of upcoming elections.