CBI names Lalu, Rabri, Tejaswi in land-for-job scam chargesheet

Move comes amid speculations that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar may return to NDA fold 

| Updated: 03 July, 2023 6:55 pm IST
Tejaswi Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a significant step in the land-for-job scam case by filing a chargesheet against Bihar Deputy Chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. The chargesheet was submitted before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, marking a significant development in the long-standing case.

The land-for-job scam case dates back to 2004, during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as the Union Minister of Railways. According to the CBI, Lalu Yadav and his family members allegedly received land from individuals in exchange for providing them with jobs in the railways.

During its investigation, the CBI discovered that seven people were employed by the railways after their families transferred land to Lalu Yadav’s family. The land was purportedly transferred at a considerably lower price than its market value, indicating a potential case of corruption.

The chargesheet filed by the CBI includes criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Rabri Devi, and 14 others. The case is now scheduled for a hearing on July 12, where further legal proceedings will take place.

The timing of the chargesheet is noteworthy, as it coincides with speculation surrounding Bihar Chief minister Nitish Kumar’s potential return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Nitish Kumar had previously left the NDA in 2017 following the CBI’s charges against Lalu Yadav in the fodder scam case.

However, both the state BJP leadership and Bihar’s ruling coalition partners have dismissed the idea of Kumar returning to the NDA fold.

The land-for-job scam is just one of several corruption cases that Lalu Yadav has been embroiled in. He has faced allegations in relation to the fodder scam, railway scam, and IRCTC scam, adding to his long list of legal battles.

Lalu Yadav, a controversial figure in Indian politics, enjoys popularity among the Yadav community. However, he has faced persistent accusations of corruption and nepotism throughout his career. The recent charge sheet in the land-for-job scam case will pose challenges to his political future.

The impact of the chargesheet on Lalu Yadav’s political career remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is likely to compound his difficulties and make a return to power increasingly arduous.

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