Delhi court frames charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in land-for-jobs case

New Delhi, Jan 9: A Delhi court on Friday framed charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in the alleged land-for-jobs scam investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), LiveLaw reported. Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts said Yadav and his family acted as a “criminal syndicate” and were part of an overarching conspiracy. “The court finds on the touchstone of suspicion that there existed an overarching conspiracy by Lalu Prasad Yadav towards using public employment as a bargaining chip for receiving immovable properties for his family,” the judge said while pronouncing the order as reported by Livelaw.in.

The court rejected discharge pleas filed by Yadav and his family, calling them unwarranted, and observed that close associates had facilitated the alleged conspiracy.

Of the 98 accused considered, 52 were discharged, while charges were framed against 41 individuals. Corruption charges were also framed against Yadav’s wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and others.  According to LiveLaw, the CBI alleges that between 2004 and 2009, appointments to Group-D posts in various railway zones were made in exchange for land transfers in favour of Yadav’s family members and a company later taken over by them. The agency claims the appointments violated established railway recruitment norms.