Ex-IAS RK Mahajan Caught in ‘Land-for-Jobs’ Scam: CBI Reveals Role in Manipulating Railway Appointments for Lalu Yadav’s Beneficiaries

Patna: The CBI’s chargesheet in the high-profile Land-for-Jobs scam has unveiled startling details about retired IAS officer RK Mahajan, once the personal secretary (PS) to then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Three former General Managers—V.K. Manglik, Pradeep Kumar, and Girish Bhatnagar—have turned approvers in the case, providing crucial testimony on Mahajan’s involvement in facilitating irregular appointments.

According to the chargesheet, Mahajan allegedly orchestrated appointments through the MR Cell, the Railway Minister’s office, by sending candidates’ applications via train post. One envelope, marked “From Mahajan,” contained six applications, which Mahajan personally instructed officials to process. Manglik confirmed the instructions over telephone, recognizing his own handwriting on the official note.

Pradeep Kumar corroborated that Mahajan actively expedited appointments of Lalu Yadav’s recommended candidates, speaking with officials on the phone to ensure their selection. Girish Bhatnagar added that during Railway Board GM conferences, Mahajan provided lists of candidates designated as “substitutes” under the minister’s recommendations, confirming Mahajan’s role as the minister’s “messenger” in manipulating the recruitment process.

The CBI noted that Mahajan’s actions—processing appointments for personal benefit and in alignment with ministerial directives—amounted to misuse of official position without public interest. The chargesheet holds Mahajan liable under the Prevention of Corruption Act (Sections 13(1)(d)(ii), 13(1)(d)(iii), 13(2)), IPC Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and IPC Section 420 (cheating), alongside other accused.

Profile of RK Mahajan

• Rajnish Kumar Mahajan, Himachal Pradesh native, 1987-batch IAS, Bihar cadre.
• Served as PS to Lalu Yadav and Executive Director of the Public Grievance Cell during Lalu’s tenure as Railway Minister (2004–2009).
• Held key positions under successive Bihar governments, including Principal Secretary, Health, and later, Education.
• Retired on August 31, 2020; immediately appointed as Chairman of BPSC.
• His tenure saw several controversies, including the 2022 BPSC preliminary exam paper leak, yet he continued to serve without disciplinary action.

The CBI’s revelations underscore the misuse of bureaucratic power for political and personal gain, spotlighting the nexus between political authorities and administrative officers in Bihar’s Railway appointments. The case is expected to move swiftly through the courts as the investigation unfolds.