Delhi court grants bail to Lalu Prasad and sons in land-for-jobs money laundering case

A Delhi court has granted bail to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his sons, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, in the significant land-for-jobs money laundering case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court issued the bail on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh each, emphasizing that the accused were not arrested during the investigation. This decision comes as a relief for the political leaders, who had been summoned to court following the submission of a supplementary charge sheet by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The land-for-jobs case revolves around allegations of corruption during Lalu Prasad's tenure as railway minister from 2004 to 2009. The ED claims that Group-D appointments were made in the West Central Zone of the railways based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, in exchange for land parcels gifted or transferred by the recruits. These transactions reportedly benefited Lalu Prasad's family and associates. The investigation into these allegations was initiated based on an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has further complicated the legal proceedings.

On August 6, the ED filed a supplementary charge sheet detailing the allegations against Lalu Prasad and his family. In addition to Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, and Tej Pratap Yadav, other family members, including former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and Lok Sabha MP Misa Bharti, have also been implicated. Notably, Tej Pratap Yadav is the sixth member of Lalu Prasad's family to be named in this case. Earlier this year, Rabri Devi and other co-accused were granted bail in this matter, with Tejashwi Yadav receiving bail just days before this hearing.

Tejashwi Yadav expressed confidence in their defense, stating, "They keep indulging in political conspiracy... Our victory is certain." This statement underscores the RJD's stance that the allegations are politically motivated and highlights their determination to contest the charges. The case has drawn significant media attention, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding political corruption and the use of investigative agencies for political purposes. As the case progresses, the next hearing is scheduled for October 25.