ED Summons Lalu Prasad Yadav in ‘Land for Jobs’ Scam; Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap Also Under Probe
Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav for questioning tomorrow in the ongoing ‘Land for Jobs’ money laundering case. The probe agency is investigating alleged irregularities that took place during his tenure as Railway Minister.
Earlier today, former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi arrived at the ED office in Patna to record her statement in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the ED has also summoned Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, to appear before the investigating team today.
History of the ‘Land for Jobs’ Scam
The ‘Land for Jobs’ scam dates back to 2004-2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Union Railway Minister in the UPA government. The CBI and ED allege that during this period, appointments were given in the Indian Railways in exchange for land parcels transferred to Yadav’s family members and close associates at throwaway prices.
According to the probe agencies, individuals seeking railway jobs were forced to sell or gift their land to Lalu Yadav’s family members in return for employment in Group D positions. The transactions were allegedly done through benami properties to conceal the link between job beneficiaries and land deals.
The CBI registered an FIR in May 2022, following which the ED initiated a separate investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has since conducted multiple raids and attached properties linked to the Yadav family.
Political Reactions and Legal Troubles
The RJD has strongly condemned the investigation, calling it “political vendetta” by the ruling BJP government. The party has alleged that the ED and CBI are being misused to target opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.
This case adds to the legal troubles of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has already been convicted in multiple fodder scam cases and served jail time. With the latest summons, the legal battle for the RJD chief and his family seems far from over.
Lalu Prasad Yadav is expected to appear before the ED tomorrow, while Tej Pratap Yadav will be questioned today. The investigation could further tighten the noose around the RJD first family, potentially impacting Bihar’s political landscape.
