The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its final charge sheet against former Indian Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in connection with an alleged land-for-jobs scam. This case revolves around claims that railway jobs were exchanged for land parcels, implicating 78 individuals, including Yadav’s wife, Rabri Devi, and son, Tej Pratap Yadav.
The charge sheet details how Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly conspired with railway officials and his family to appoint ineligible candidates to government positions in exchange for undervalued land parcels. These appointments, primarily for Group D positions, were made without advertisements or public notices during his tenure from 2004 to 2009. The CBI’s evidence reportedly includes a hard disk found at Yadav’s camp office containing a list of 1,458 candidates hired during his tenure.
Further investigations revealed that candidates from constituencies linked to Yadav’s family were hired as substitutes and later regularized after land transfers. The charge sheet accuses Yadav and 29 railway officials, 37 candidates, and six private individuals of participating in this scheme. They are facing charges under the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation also uncovered land deeds and lists of candidates from raids on properties linked to Yadav’s family.
Despite the serious allegations, the Yadav family has consistently denied the charges, claiming the investigation is politically motivated. Under Indian law, all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial.
For further details, see the full report on JURIST.