The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at multiple locations in Bihar and Delhi in connection with an alleged land-for-jobs scam involving Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders. The chargesheet filed by the CBI stated that irregular appointments were made in Central Railways, and candidates sold land to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family members at highly discounted rates.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at multiple locations in Bihar’s Patna and Arrah, as well as in Noida, Delhi, and Gurugram, on Tuesday. These searches were linked to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders.
Those are MLA Kiran Devi and former MLA Arun Yadav, as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged land-for-jobs scam. Additionally, the premises of Rajya Sabha MP Prem Chand Gupta were also searched in connection with the same case.
CBI Exposes Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Land Scam
The CBI had previously filed a chargesheet in relation to the land-for-job scam. According to the chargesheet, there were irregular appointments of candidates in Central Railways, which violated the established norms and procedures of the Indian Railways for recruitment.
As part of a quid-pro-quo arrangement, the candidates or their immediate relatives sold land to the family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was the Union Railway Minister at the time. These transactions occurred at highly discounted rates, ranging from one-fourth to one-fifth of the prevailing market rates.
The investigation conducted by the CBI revealed that Lalu Prasad Yadav, during his tenure as Minister of Railways from 2007 to 2008, conspired with his wife Rabri Devi, daughter Misha Bharati, and several officers of Central Railways and residents of Patna and Patna City.
CBI Chargesheet Reveals Land-for-Jobs Scam
The aim of this conspiracy was to acquire adjacent land parcels in Vill-Mahuabagh, Patna, and Vill-Kunjwa, Patna, which were situated near the land already owned by his family members. The CBI further stated that all the candidates involved in the scam were later regularized after being initially engaged as substitutes.
In exchange for their appointments in the Railways, Lalu Prasad Yadav facilitated the transfer of land owned by the candidates and their family members to his wife Rabri Devi and Misha Bharti. The sale consideration for these transfers was significantly lower than the prevailing circle rates and market rates.
Last year, in October, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, and 13 others involved in the land-for-jobs scam. The alleged scam took place between 2004 and 2009 when Yadav held the position of Railway Minister. Alongside the RJD leader, the chargesheet also named the then Railway General Manager as a key individual involved in the scam.
CBI Searches Linked Premises in Land-for-Jobs Scam
The ongoing investigation by the CBI aims to uncover the extent of the land-for-jobs scam and hold all individuals involved accountable for their actions. The searches conducted at various locations, including the residences of RJD leaders and the premises of other individuals linked to the case, are part of this effort to gather evidence and ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what consequences will be faced by those found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices related to land-for-jobs transactions within the Indian Railways.
