In a significant development for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi has granted bail in connection with the notorious 'Land For Jobs' scam case that has captured public attention. The ruling comes as a major relief for Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their children, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav, amid a backdrop of allegations and legal battles. The case dates back to the period between 2004 and 2009, during which Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the Railway Minister.
Investigations revealed that his family allegedly acquired land in exchange for providing jobs to ineligible candidates across various railway departments in cities such as Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Hajipur. Following the registration of the case on May 18, a total of 14 individuals were implicated, including Yadav and his immediate family members. On Monday, the court approved personal bail of Rs 1 lakh each for all accused. Notably, while Lalu Prasad Yadav was mentioned in the charge sheet, he was not arrested.
The case is set for further hearings on October 23 and 24. Reacting to the court's decision, Yadav expressed his confidence in the judicial system, stating to reporters, "We have faith in the judiciary." His son Tejashwi echoed these sentiments, asserting, “Our victory is assured," while also highlighting the alleged political conspiracies at play. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a comprehensive chargesheet in June against Lalu Prasad Yadav and 77 others, including railway officials and candidates involved in the scam.
Charges were framed under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, with accusations including forgery and the submission of fake educational certificates by job aspirants. The 'Land For Jobs' scam has raised serious questions regarding employment practices within Indian Railways. Candidates reportedly secured jobs as substitutes for category D posts within just three days of applying, often transferring land to Yadav's family in return. Investigators revealed that the Yadav family had acquired approximately 1.5 lakh square feet of land in Patna, with the current market value of their properties estimated at around Rs 4.39 crore.
As Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family navigate the legal complexities ahead, the case continues to unfold, capturing the interest of the public and political landscape alike.