Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Job Case

The Rouse Avenue Court has officially charged former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and ex-Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in the controversial Land-for-Job CBI case, alleging a conspiracy to allocate Railway jobs in exchange for land. The charges are denied, and both leaders will face trial.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday officially charged Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Railway Minister, and Rabri Devi, ex-Chief Minister of Bihar, in the ongoing Land-for-Job CBI case. The couple appeared in court, denied these allegations, and expressed readiness to face the trial.

This case involves accusations that Railway Group D positions were exchanged for land, with charges being framed by Special Judge Vishal Gogne. The decision mandates that the accused be present in person, except when allowed video conferencing, considering age and health concerns.

Misa Bharti noted, "The court allowed them to attend via video conference because of their age and health." Earlier, on January 9, charges were also framed against Tejaswi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, and other accused in the same case.

The CBI court observed a prima facie conspiracy led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, aimed at securing properties through public employment offers. The court referred to the accused's operation as a 'syndicate.'

Charges against 52 Railway personnel were dismissed, with five deceased during the proceedings. Initially, 103 individuals were charge-sheeted, with accusations covering criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's attorney, Maninder Singh, claimed the case is politically driven, citing insufficient evidence for wrongdoing. He clarified that all land transactions were legitimate purchases and that no governmental recommendations were made by Mr. Yadav.

Similarly, Rabri Devi's counsel argued her innocence, highlighting that all land purchases were monetary transactions, devoid of candidate favoritism. As a result, the court charged multiple family members in connection with conspiracy and corruption.

The judiciary asserted an overarching plot orchestrated by Lalu Prasad Yadav to leverage public jobs in exchange for property through family connections. This case, initiated by the CBI in May 2022, entails allegations that Group D positions were bartered for land.

The court criticized certain Indian Railway officials' alleged misuse of discretion in appointing temporary workers. Despite these allegations, all accused Chief Personnel Officers were ordered to be discharged from the case. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)