New Delhi: In a significant development, a Delhi court on Monday granted bail to RJD chief and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad along with his sons, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, in the ongoing land-for-jobs money laundering case. The Special Judge Vishal Gogne approved the bail on personal bonds of ₹1 lakh each, highlighting that the accused were not apprehended during the investigation phase.
The trio appeared before the court in response to summons that had been previously issued. These summons were a result of the court taking cognizance of a supplementary charge sheet filed against them. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented the final report to the court on August 6, building its case on a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The case revolves around the alleged manipulation of Group-D appointments within the West Central Zone of the Railways, based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. During Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009, it is alleged that appointments were made in exchange for land parcels. These land transactions were purportedly gifted or transferred by recruits to members of the RJD leadership or their associates, as stated by the ED.
This bail decision marks a pivotal moment in the case, allowing the accused to be free while legal proceedings continue. The allegations against Lalu Prasad and his sons have been a focal point of scrutiny, raising questions about corruption and the misuse of political influence within India’s railway system.
As the case progresses, both supporters and critics of the RJD await further developments, which could have significant implications for the party’s leadership and its political future.
