CBI Moves Forward with Prosecution in Lalu Prasad Yadav's Land-for-Job Case

Union Minister Nityanand Rai accuses Lalu Prasad Yadav's family of looting the poor as the CBI files a sanction to prosecute the former Railway Minister. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 15, urging CBI to expedite pending sanctions against over 30 other accused individuals.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Saturday accused former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's family of deceiving the poor, following the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) move to prosecute the RJD leader in a land-for-job case. 'Lalu's family looted the poor, took land from them in exchange for jobs, and did not even provide the promised employment to many,' Rai claimed.

On Friday, the CBI received sanction from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which it submitted to the court. Special CBI Judge Vishal Gogne acknowledged the sanction. The agency informed the court that prosecution sanctions for over 30 other accused individuals were still pending and requested an additional 15 days to secure these. The court urged the CBI to expedite the process, setting the next hearing for October 15. In July, the court had ordered a decision on sanction against 32 public servants, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The CBI filed a conclusive charge sheet on June 7 against Lalu Prasad Yadav and 77 others in the land-for-job case, which also includes 38 candidates. The court had expressed displeasure over delays on May 29 and directed the CBI to expedite the charge sheet. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had alleged that Lalu Prasad Yadav acquired land in exchange for jobs provided by the railways. On October 4, 2023, the court granted bail to the former Railway Minister, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Rabri Devi, and others concerning the fresh charge sheet.

(With inputs from agencies.)