The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) at its Delhi Zonal Office has filed a new complaint related to the infamous “Land for Job Scam.” On August 6, 2024, the ED submitted a Supplementary Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This complaint was filed against several individuals, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, the former Railway Minister, his son Tejashwi Yadav, and others. The case was presented before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA) in New Delhi. The court has acknowledged the complaint on September 18, 2024, and has summoned the accused to appear on October 7, 2024, for further proceedings.
Background of the Scam
The ED’s investigation is based on a First Information Report (FIR) that was originally registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to the FIR, the scam took place during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as the Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. It is alleged that during this period, candidates were given jobs as Group D substitutes in the Indian Railways in exchange for land parcels. These land parcels were sold to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family at nominal rates, essentially acting as a form of bribe for securing jobs.
Several people who sold their land to the Yadav family in return for job placements in Indian Railways have also been named as accused in the Supplementary PC.
Past Developments
The ED has been investigating the case for quite some time. In January 2024, the ED had filed another Prosecution Complaint on January 8, 2024, against individuals close to Lalu Prasad Yadav, including Amit Katyal, Rabri Devi (Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife), and other family members like Misha Bharti and Hema Yadav. These individuals had allegedly received land parcels from the families of selected candidates for small sums of money. The court took note of this earlier complaint on January 27, 2024.
Seizures and Arrests
During its investigation, the ED carried out search operations on March 10, 2023, where they seized around Rs. 1 crore in cash and valuables worth approximately Rs. 1.25 crore. Additionally, the ED provisionally attached properties valued at Rs. 6.02 crore on July 29, 2023.
Amit Katyal, a close associate of Lalu Prasad Yadav, was arrested on November 11, 2023, for his role in facilitating the money laundering activities of the Yadav family.
What’s Next?
The investigation is still ongoing, and more developments are expected in the case as the trial progresses. The court has issued notices to the accused, and the next hearing is set for October 7, 2024. This scam is yet another significant chapter in the legal challenges faced by Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family.
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