ED seizes Lalu Prasad Yadav, family's assets worth Rs 6 crore in land-for-jobs scam case

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• Jul 31, 2023 | Dhupali Das

In a significant blow to former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken possession of assets worth...

Digital Desk: In a significant blow to former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken possession of assets worth Rs 6 crore in connection with the ongoing investigation into the land-for-job scam case. The assets in question encompass Lalu Yadav family properties situated in Delhi and Patna, including a residential house in New Friends Colony.

The ED's move comes as a result of a provisional order issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), allowing the agency to attach these assets. However, the exact number and value of the seized assets are yet to be disclosed to the public.

Over the past few months, the ED has been actively examining the case and has already recorded statements from key family members, including Prasad's wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, their children, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, and daughters Misa Bharti (RJD MP in Rajya Sabha), Chanda Yadav, and Ragini Yadav.

The land-for-job scam allegedly took place during Lalu Prasad's tenure as the Railway Minister in the UPA-1 government between 2004 and 2009. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have alleged that during this period, individuals were appointed to Group D positions in various zones of the Indian Railways, and in return, they transferred their land holdings to Lalu Prasad's family members.

With the recent developments, the spotlight has intensified on Lalu Prasad's family, especially with the CBI naming Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu's wife, Rabri Devi, as beneficiaries in the case.

The allegations have ignited public outrage, with demands for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. Political opponents have also seized the opportunity to criticize Lalu Prasad's legacy, questioning the ethical conduct of his family members during his tenure as a minister.

It is important to note that both Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members have consistently denied any wrongdoing in the case and have maintained their cooperation with the investigating agencies.

The ED's seizure of assets and the naming of Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi as beneficiaries have further complicated the political landscape in Bihar. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how this setback will impact Lalu Prasad Yadav's political career and his family's position in the state's political sphere.

While the legal process continues, the ED and other investigating agencies are expected to pursue the case rigorously to bring clarity and accountability to the allegations made against the former Chief Minister and his family. The nation will closely observe the developments as they unfold, awaiting justice and transparency in one of the most high-profile political scandals in recent times.