Patna: New allegations have reignited debates over Bihar’s political past, as Subhash Yadav, the estranged brother-in-law of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad, has claimed that the former chief minister played a role in brokering ransom deals for kidnappings in the 1990s.
Subhash Yadav, once considered a close confidant of Lalu and a key figure in Bihar’s power circles, made the explosive claims during an interview with a Patna-based YouTube news channel on Wednesday. He alleged that ransom negotiations for kidnappings in Bihar were conducted from the chief minister’s residence, with Lalu himself intervening in cases.
“Kidnappings were happening. A case occurred in Purnia, in Araria. Then, money was taken. Calls were made by Md. Shahabuddin, Premchand Gupta, and Lalu to Zakir Hussain, asking him to release the hostage. But he had not taken the person, someone else had,” Subhash alleged, referring to the notorious criminal network of the time. He further claimed that a kidnapped individual was kept on a boat in Kala Diyar, and that he had knowledge of the entire operation.
When asked whether negotiations for such cases took place at the CM’s residence, he responded, “Yes, definitely. Premchand Gupta and Lalu ji had complained about the case. The person who orchestrated it is no longer alive. Shahabuddin, Lalu, and Premchand Gupta were all involved in that case.”
Rift in the Family
The revelations have stirred political controversy, not only because of their content but also due to the source—Subhash Yadav, once a trusted insider of the RJD regime. Along with his brother Sadhu Yadav, he was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Bihar politics in the 1990s, with the duo often described as the real power behind the throne of Lalu and his wife, former chief minister Rabri Devi.
However, political ambitions and personal rivalries have since driven a wedge between them. “It was spread in Bihar that I was a thief, that I was corrupt. But who tarnished my name? My own family—Lalu and Rabri,” Subhash said, adding that he had been sidelined as his own children grew up and were no longer deemed useful by the family. “They were instigated by others, and today, they are on the road,” he remarked, hinting at the decline of Lalu’s once-unquestioned dominance in Bihar politics.
Allegations of Car Lifting Scandals
Beyond the kidnapping claims, Subhash also accused Lalu of orchestrating vehicle lifting incidents during his tenure. “It was not Azad Gandhi who lifted the cars; it was done on Lalu ji’s orders. Vehicles were taken from Tata Motors. After 15-16 months, following a wedding, the cars were returned,” he alleged.
Political Ramifications
The allegations have further deepened discussions around the RJD’s legacy in Bihar. Lalu Yadav, who first became chief minister in 1990, dominated Bihar’s political landscape for over a decade, with Rabri taking over as his proxy after he was convicted in corruption cases. However, the RJD’s tenure was also marked by rising crime, economic decline, and accusations of lawlessness, leading to Bihar being dubbed a ‘jungle raj’ by critics.
While Subhash Yadav’s claims are unlikely to have immediate legal consequences, they serve as a reminder of the murky political history of Bihar. With the state heading into elections later this year, such controversies are bound to shape the narrative as parties jostle for power.
