‘Lalu Yadav Family Operated Like a Criminal Syndicate’: Court’s Remark and What It Means

Patna/New Delhi: In a significant development in Bihar’s high-profile Land-for-Jobs scam, the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi has framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, MPs Misa Bharti, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, and 41 accused persons.

While doing so, the court made a strong and telling observation, stating that Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family functioned like a “criminal syndicate” during the execution of the alleged scam. The remark has drawn sharp political and legal attention due to its serious implications.

What Exactly Did the Court Say?

While delivering its order on framing of charges in the CBI case, the court observed that there are clear prima facie indications of a well‑orchestrated criminal conspiracy among the accused.

The court noted that the alleged acts were not isolated or random, but systematic, organised and coordinated, resembling the functioning of a crime syndicate. According to the court, this strengthens the CBI’s case that jobs in the Railways were exchanged for land parcels transferred to members of the Lalu family and their associates.

With this observation, the court has cleared the way for a full-fledged trial in the case.

What Is a Criminal Syndicate?

The term “criminal syndicate” is often used but rarely explained. Legally and practically, it refers to an organised group that commits crimes in a structured, planned and long-term manner.

Unlike street gangs, which often rely on brute force and short-term planning, a criminal syndicate operates through:

• Organised hierarchy
• Division of roles
• Long-term planning
• Financial tracking of illegal gains
• Use of influence, corruption and intimidation

Such syndicates may consist of family members, close associates, or people from a common network, working together to systematically benefit from illegal activities.

How Does a Criminal Syndicate Operate?

Members of a criminal syndicate typically:

• Use fear, influence or official power to extract benefits
• Exploit institutional loopholes and corruption
• Operate at local, national or even international levels
• Combine power and planning rather than relying solely on force

In simple terms, a syndicate is a blend of muscle power and strategic intelligence, designed to sustain illegal operations over a long period.

Why the Court’s Remark Matters

The court’s description of the alleged scam as the work of a criminal syndicate significantly raises the gravity of the charges. It suggests that the case is not merely about procedural violations, but about systematic abuse of power for personal gain.

This observation could play a crucial role during the trial and may influence how the prosecution presents evidence and how the defense responds.