“Land-for-Job” Case: 51 Accused, Including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Face Charges; 52 Acquitted

A Delhi court has formally framed charges against 51 individuals, including former Bihar Chief Minister and ex-Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, in the high-profile “Land-for-Job” scam, while 52 others have been acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

Allegations and Court Observations

The case pertains to alleged corruption during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister under the UPA government. The prosecution claims that in exchange for jobs in Group-D posts across various railway zones, land was illegally transferred in the names of Lalu’s family members at nominal rates.

The court noted that prima facie, the accused operated like a “criminal syndicate”, systematically misusing their political and administrative influence.

Key Accused

The 51 individuals facing charges include:

• Lalu Prasad Yadav, son of late Kundan Rai
• Rabri Devi, wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav
• Misa Bharti, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav
• Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav
• Tej Pratap Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav
• Hema Yadav, wife of Vineet Yadav
• Other prominent politicians, officials, and corporate entities associated with the case

(Full list of 51 accused is documented in the court order.)

Acquitted Individuals

The court acquitted 52 individuals after reviewing the charges and determining that there was insufficient evidence to proceed against them. The acquitted include politicians, government officials, and others previously named in the charge sheet.

Implications

This case has once again brought the Lalu Yadav family into the spotlight, highlighting longstanding allegations of corruption and favoritism during their political tenure. Legal experts suggest that the framing of charges could lead to prolonged litigation, potentially affecting the political careers of the family members involved.

The investigation and trial in this multi-crore land-for-job scam are ongoing, with further hearings scheduled in the coming months.