New Delhi/Patna: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has completed its arguments in the Land for Jobs case at Rouse Avenue Court, naming former Bihar Chief Minister and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad as the “main conspirator” in the alleged scam. Several members of his family are also accused in the case.
The CBI concluded its arguments late Saturday evening. Now, Lalu’s defense team will present their side of the case. Due to Sunday’s court closure, they have been granted time until Monday to do so.
This follows a court order issued on Tuesday, which, based on the CBI’s final charge sheet, directed Lalu, his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, daughter Hema Yadav, and other accused to appear in court on March 11. A total of 79 individuals, including 30 public servants, have been named in the charge sheet.
The case centers on alleged irregularities in Group-D railway appointments between 2004 and 2009, during Lalu’s tenure as Railway Minister. The CBI alleges that candidates were given railway jobs in exchange for transferring land to the Yadav family or their associates.
In January 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also conducted extensive interrogations of Lalu and his younger son, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, in connection with the case. Lalu faced over 50 questions on January 20th, while Tejashwi was questioned for approximately 10-11 hours on January 30.
The CBI initially registered a case on May 18, 2022, against Lalu, his wife, two daughters, unidentified government officials, and private individuals. The case continues to unfold, with the defense now set to present its arguments.
