ScamCase – Court Frames Charges Against Lalu and Rabri Devi in Land-for-Jobs Matter
ScamCase – A court in Delhi on Monday formally read out charges against former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs case. The proceedings mark a significant step in a matter that has drawn sustained public attention. The case will now move forward, with the next hearing scheduled for February 27.
Charges Formally Framed in Court
The special court’s action follows earlier directions issued this month to proceed with framing charges against the accused. On January 9, the court had concluded that there was sufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, members of his family and several others named in the case.
Subsequently, on January 29, the judge granted liberty to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, their sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, along with other accused, to appear before the court in person between February 1 and February 28 for the formal process. The framing of charges is a procedural step that outlines the allegations and sets the stage for trial proceedings.
Allegations Linked to Railway Appointments
The case, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, centers on claims that land parcels were allegedly transferred to the family of Lalu Prasad Yadav in exchange for appointments in the Indian Railways during his tenure as railway minister. Investigators have alleged that certain individuals were given jobs in return for transferring property at rates below market value.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. His family members have also maintained that the allegations are unfounded. The case remains under judicial scrutiny, and the court’s framing of charges does not amount to a finding of guilt. The trial process will determine the outcome after examination of evidence and arguments presented by both sides.
Number of Accused and Discharges
According to court records, charges have been framed against 41 individuals in the case. At the same time, the court discharged 52 persons who were earlier named in the chargesheet filed by the investigating agency. The Central Bureau of Investigation had listed a total of 103 accused in its chargesheet. Of these, five individuals have since passed away.
The discharge of several accused indicates that the court did not find sufficient grounds to proceed against them at this stage. Legal experts note that such decisions are based on the material available in the chargesheet and related documents submitted during the investigation.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
With charges now formally framed, the matter will proceed to the next phase of trial. The hearing on February 27 is expected to address further procedural aspects, including the scheduling of evidence and examination of witnesses.
The land-for-jobs case has been under investigation for several months and continues to attract political and legal interest. As the trial advances, the court will assess documentary evidence, witness testimonies and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
For now, the case remains at a critical juncture, with formal charges in place and the legal process set to unfold in the coming weeks.