Land-for-Job scam case | RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav appears before ED for questioning

The Enforcement Directorate is questioning Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad in the land-for-job scam case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is questioning Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad in the land-for-job scam case on January 29. He reached the ED office earlier in the morning, as hundreds of RJD workers along with a few leaders had assembled at the location in support of Mr Prasad.

The ED case is based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on May 18, 2022, against Mr. Prasad and others in the same matter. In July last year, the CBI filed a second chargesheet against the former Railway Minister, his wife Ms. Rabri Devi, their son and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, and 14 others.

Also read: Explained | What is the alleged land-for-jobs scam involving former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad?

“Whenever ED sends summon to any of our family members, we come and cooperate but our family is being harassed unnecessarily,” said Misa Bharti, RJD Rajya Sabha member and the elder daughter of Mr. Prasad. Ms Bharti accompanied Mr. Prasad to the ED office.

The alleged scam occurred when Lalu Yadav was Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. Apart from the RJD national president, the chargesheet also includes the name of the then Railway General Manager.

In lieu of getting them appointed in the Railways, Mr. Lalu Prasad allegedly got lands transferred owned by candidates and their family members in the names of his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti for sale consideration which was much lesser than the prevailing circle rates as well as the prevailing market rates.

Also read | No merit in land-for-jobs scam case, says Tejashwi Yadav