Rabri Devi Faces ED Interrogation in Land-for-Job Scandal
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Synopsis
On March 18, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi appeared before the ED in Patna regarding the IRCTC Land-for-Job case. Tej Pratap Yadav was also summoned. The investigation continues into alleged corruption linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Union Railway Minister, with significant political implications in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- Rabri Devi questioned by ED in Land-for-Job case
- Tej Pratap Yadav's first interrogation in this scandal
- Conditional bail granted to all accused
- Allegations involve corruption during Lalu's term
- ED and CBI investigating financial transactions
Patna, March 18 (NationPress) Rabri Devi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Patna on Tuesday after receiving a summons related to the IRCTC Land-for-Job scandal.
The ED has also called upon Tej Pratap Yadav, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, marking his inaugural questioning concerning this matter in Patna. He arrived at the ED office separately and is scheduled for questioning at 2 pm.
The last hearing of this case took place at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on March 11, where both Tej Pratap and his sister Hema Yadav were present.
All accused received conditional bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each, along with stipulations.
According to the terms of the conditional bail, the accused are prohibited from tampering with evidence, intimidating witnesses, and must seek permission prior to leaving the country.
In light of the ED summons, Rabri Devi commented, “Both the central and state governments are intentionally targeting us. Such allegations arise right before elections. I have complete confidence in the judiciary.”
The ED has been intensively interrogating RJD leaders regarding the land-for-job case, which is linked to alleged corruption during Lalu Prasad Yadav's time as Union Railway Minister.
On January 20, 2024, the ED interrogated Lalu Prasad Yadav for 10 hours in Patna, posing over 50 questions, most of which were answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
During the questioning, former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad reportedly exhibited anger multiple times.
On January 30, 2024, Tejashwi Yadav was interrogated by the ED for 11 hours in Patna.
It is alleged that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister, government railway jobs were exchanged for land.
Desperate families were compelled to sell their valuable land at significantly low prices to secure jobs.
The CBI and ED are probing the financial trail and supposed illegal dealings.
This case has become a significant political controversy in Bihar.
Central agencies have also summoned other family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, including Misa Bharti, the MP from Patliputra, in previous instances.
