Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi Plead Innocence in Land-for-Jobs Scam Case
RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Monday, where they pleaded not guilty in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The court formally framed charges against the couple, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
Court Proceedings and Charges Framed
Special Judge Vishal Gogne announced, "The charge has been framed against accused 1 (Lalu Prasad) and accused 2 (Rabri Devi), to which they have pleaded not guilty and claimed trial." The matter has been scheduled for further proceedings on February 27. During the hearing, Lalu and Rabri denied all allegations, which are being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and expressed their willingness to face trial.
The case revolves around alleged transfers of land to members of the Lalu family and others in exchange for appointments to Group D posts in the railways. According to a news agency report, the special CBI court observed that, prima facie, there was a conspiracy "mentored by Lalu Prasad to use govt jobs as a means for getting immovable property through his family members from willing job seekers." The report further quoted the court as stating that the chargesheet "strongly depicts the acquisition of the land in lieu of a job."
Family Support and Legal Context
Lalu and Rabri were accompanied to court by their eldest daughter, Misa Bharti. Speaking to reporters, she affirmed the family's faith in the judiciary. When asked if her family was being harassed, she responded cryptically, "The answer is in your question."
Earlier, on January 29, the trial court had granted permission to Lalu, Rabri, and their sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav to appear before it between February 1 and 25 for the formal framing of charges. This followed an order on January 9, where the court directed the framing of charges against Lalu Prasad, his family members, and others involved.
Broader Implications and Accused List
The court has framed charges against 41 accused persons in the case, while discharging 52 others. Out of the 103 accused named in the CBI's chargesheet, five have died. This highlights the extensive scope of the investigation and the legal complexities surrounding the alleged scam.
The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of political figures in corruption allegations, with the next hearing poised to be a critical step in the judicial process. As the proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the Delhi court for further developments in this contentious matter.
