Investigation Agency Encounter with Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap in Property-for-Employment Inquiry
In a case that has been making headlines since 2022, former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family are embroiled in the Land-for-Jobs scam, allegedly involving corrupt practices during his tenure as the Railway Minister (2004-2009).
Origins of the Scam
The case originated from investigations into irregularities in Group-D Railway job appointments in the West Central Zone, around Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The CBI claims that nine people were appointed in exchange for three land parcels in Patna, transferred to Lalu’s family at heavily discounted rates.
Allegations and Investigations
The CBI alleges that candidates or their relatives gifted or sold land to Lalu’s family, who then secured railway jobs for these candidates as a quid pro quo. The agency noted suspicious patterns in certificates and documents submitted by the appointed candidates, suggesting organized wrongdoing.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been involved in the investigation, suggesting that "shell" companies, such as AK Infosystems Private Limited and AB Exports Private Limited, received proceeds of crime for Lalu’s family members. Immovable properties were acquired in the name of these companies by "front men", according to the ED.
Legal Proceedings
The FIR was registered in May 2022, following initial CBI inquiries that were initially closed. Multiple chargesheets have been filed naming Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, their children, and others. The Supreme Court, as of July 18, 2025, refused to stay the trial court proceedings against Lalu Prasad Yadav, meaning the trial is ongoing.
Lalu’s defense argues the case lacks merit, claiming the land transfers and railway job allotments were separated by several years, questioning the direct link alleged by the CBI, and accusing the agency of targeting the family selectively.
Current Status
The trial and court hearings are ongoing with the CBI continuing to press charges, while Lalu’s legal team disputes the evidence and linkage claims. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear related petitions. As of August 2025, the investigation and legal process continue without respite for Lalu and his family.
Notable figures involved in the case include Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, their sons Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, and Misa Bharti, Patliputra MP. The case has sparked political controversy, with some accusing the BJP of using central agencies against its opponents during elections.
[1] The Indian Express. (2022, May 18). ED summons Lalu Yadav, family members in land-for-job case. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/ed-summons-lalu-yadav-family-members-in-land-for-job-case-7885439/
[2] The Hindu. (2022, May 18). ED summons Lalu Yadav in land-for-job case. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ed-summons-lalu-yadav-in-land-for-job-case/article31589302.ece
[3] The Times of India. (2022, May 18). ED summons Lalu Yadav, family members in land-for-job case. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/ed-summons-lalu-yadav-family-members-in-land-for-job-case/articleshow/90680283.cms
[4] The Hindustan Times. (2022, May 18). Lalu Prasad Yadav summoned by ED in land-for-job case. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-yadav-summoned-by-ed-in-land-for-job-case-101652607616441.html
[5] NDTV. (2022, May 18). ED Summons Lalu Prasad Yadav in Land-for-Jobs Case. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ed-summons-lalu-prasad-yadav-in-land-for-jobs-case-3055863
Politics surrounding the Land-for-Jobs scam continues to be a matter of general news, with war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice elements taking center stage. During the examination of irregularities in Group-D Railway job appointments, the Enforcement Directorate uncovered allegations that "shell" companies received proceeds of crime for Lalu's family members, suggesting a web of illegal activities tying politics to crime. The case, ongoing since 2022, has not only affected Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members but has also raised questions about corruption in high-ranking government positions and the fairness of political practices.
