ED Summons Lalu, Rabri and Tej Pratap In Land-For-Jobs Scam Investigation

New Delhi/ Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad in connection with the ongoing investigation into the land-for-jobs scam. The case, which was initially probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is now also being investigated by the ED due to its money laundering implications. The allegations date back to Lalu Prasad’s tenure as railway minister in the UPA government between 2004 and 2009.

Officials have confirmed that Lalu Prasad’s son, Tej Pratap Yadav, and wife, Rabri Devi, have also been summoned for questioning. According to the agency, land parcels were allegedly transferred in exchange for Group D railway jobs, in violation of recruitment norms. It is claimed that individuals involved in the recruitment process, or their relatives, sold land at throwaway prices, which was then registered in the names of Lalu Prasad’s close associates and family members at a fraction of the market value.

Both the CBI and ED have filed multiple chargesheets in the case, and prosecution approval has been secured against Lalu Prasad. The ED, in its chargesheet filed in August 2024, stated that Amit Katyal, a known associate of Lalu Prasad, established a company named AK Infosystems. Several land parcels in Patna were allegedly registered under this company’s name before its full ownership was transferred to Lalu Prasad’s family. Rabri Devi reportedly held an 85% stake, while Tejashwi Yadav owned the remaining 15%.

Allegations of High-Value Property Transfers

The ED’s chargesheet also highlighted the acquisition of high-value properties through allegedly illicit means. The agency claimed that AK Infosystems held assets officially valued at Rs 1.89 crore, but its entire shareholding was transferred to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav for just Rs 1 lakh. The actual market value of the assets, according to ED, was estimated at around Rs 63 crore.

Another company, AB Exports Private Limited, was also identified in the investigation. The ED alleges that Tejashwi Yadav holds a 98.25% stake in the firm, while his sister, Chanda Yadav, owns the remaining 1.75%. A bungalow in New Friends Colony, Delhi, was reportedly purchased under the company’s name for Rs 5 crore, whereas the ED estimates its real market value to be around Rs 150 crore.

The investigation is ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.