Lalu Prasad Yadav Questioned for Four Hours by ED in Land-For-Jobs Probe
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Synopsis
On March 19, Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of RJD, completed a four-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate in Patna linked to the IRCTC land-for-job case. His family members were previously questioned, raising significant allegations of land acquisition in exchange for railway jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Lalu Prasad Yadav questioned for four hours by the ED.
- Investigation relates to the IRCTC land-for-job case.
- Previous interrogations of Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap Yadav.
- Questioning focused on land acquisition for railway jobs.
- Central agencies facing resistance from Tejashwi Yadav.
Patna, March 19 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav returned home on Wednesday following a rigorous four-hour interrogation at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Patna regarding the IRCTC land-for-job scandal.
The former Chief Minister of Bihar arrived at approximately 11 a.m. accompanied by his eldest daughter, Misa Bharti, at the ED facility.
Previously, the ED had interrogated his wife, Rabri Devi, and son, Tej Pratap Yadav, concerning the same investigation. Sources indicate that Lalu Prasad faced similar inquiries.
Reports suggest that Lalu Prasad predominantly responded with “yes” or “no” without offering extensive clarifications.
While the particulars of the questioning remain confidential, officials are optimistic that the investigation is advancing.
He was summoned following the questioning of his wife and son on March 18. The ED is seeking information on how land and properties were obtained in return for railway employment.
Previously, ED officials had inquired from Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap Yadav about the acquisition of land in Rabri Devi’s name.
Some of the questions included: “Who were the individuals that transferred land in exchange for jobs? What is their knowledge about the bungalow in New Friends Colony, Delhi, purchased by Tejashwi Yadav? Why were jobs allegedly provided in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Hajipur in return for land?”
It has been alleged that from 2004 to 2009, during his tenure as Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad accepted land and properties under his and his family members' names in exchange for railway jobs.
He reportedly leveraged his position to influence recruitment in various railway zones. Both the CBI and ED are conducting separate investigations into the matter, and further questioning of Lalu Prasad and his family is anticipated in the upcoming days.
Earlier today, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav expressed strong discontent over the questioning, asserting that such actions by central agencies would not intimidate them ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
“With elections approaching this year, the ED, CBI, and Income Tax will conduct their assessments, but it will not impact us. The central government aims to destabilize us, but their efforts will prove futile. We have faced questioning multiple times, but what has resulted? Nothing!” Tejashwi Yadav stated.
