Following Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap, ED Interrogates Lalu Prasad in IRCTC Land-for-Job Investigation
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Synopsis
On March 19, the ED began questioning RJD chief Lalu Prasad in a money laundering case related to the land-for-jobs scam, following interrogations of his family members. Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the central agencies' actions as attempts to intimidate them ahead of elections, while the RJD criticized the timing of these investigations as politically motivated.
Key Takeaways
- ED interrogates Lalu Prasad linked to a land-for-job scandal.
- Tejashwi Yadav defends against intimidation by central agencies.
- Political tensions in Bihar heighten as investigations continue.
- Previous bail granted to Lalu and family by Delhi court.
- RJD calls investigations politically motivated ahead of elections.
Patna, March 19 (NationPress) Just a day after interrogating former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her son Tej Pratap Yadav, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is now questioning RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday in relation to a money laundering case associated with the alleged land-for-jobs scandal.
Lalu Yadav, accompanied by his daughter Misa Bharti, arrived at the ED office in Patna for the questioning.
Before the interrogation, Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition leader in the Bihar Assembly, asserted that such actions by central agencies would not intimidate them.
"With elections looming this year, the ED, CBI, and Income Tax are likely to ramp up their activities, but we remain unfazed. The central government aims to unnerve us, yet they will not succeed. We have faced questioning multiple times—what has it led to?" he commented.
Last year, the Delhi's Rouse Avenue court granted bail to former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad and his sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav in this case.
To maintain order, the Patna Police has stationed a significant number of personnel around the ED office, where numerous RJD supporters have gathered.
On Tuesday, Rabri Devi was questioned for four and a half hours, departing the ED office at 2:45 p.m., while Tej Pratap Yadav was interrogated until 4:30 p.m.
The ED centered its inquiries on six pivotal questions, including how Tejashwi Yadav acquired a bungalow in New Friends Colony, Delhi; the method of land acquisition at Saguna Mor (Patna); the source of funding for apartment construction; and how Rabri Devi obtained land registered under her name.
The questioning of Lalu Prasad Yadav by the ED is intensifying political tensions in Bihar.
This investigation pertains to allegations that during Lalu Prasad's term as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, job placements within the Indian Railways were traded for land parcels transferred to his family members.
In addition to the ED, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet listing 78 accused, including Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi, their sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav, as well as daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav.
The RJD has condemned the timing of these investigations, alleging a political vendetta by the ruling party, particularly with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching.
