Land-for-jobs scam: ED chargesheet names Rabri Devi, daughter Misa Bharti
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi in its first chargesheet in a money laundering case linked to the Indian Railways land-for-jobs scam. Her daughter—MP Misa Bharti—was also named. As part of its investigation, the ED has previously grilled Devi, her husband and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, and their son and Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav.
Why does this story matter?
Devi and Bharti's names in the ED's chargesheet emerged days after Tejashwi skipped the ED's summons for questioning on January 5. The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are separately probing the alleged land-for-jobs scam. Yadav is accused of providing railway jobs in exchange for plots during his tenure as the railway minister (2004-09). His family and associates are also being investigated.
Yadav family's close aide, others in ED chargesheet
The ED's chargesheet has been filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Delhi, which has listed the matter for hearing on January 16, per PTI. Besides Devi and Bharti, it named the Yadav family's alleged close associate Amit Katyal and some other individuals and companies. To recall, in connection to the case, the ED arrested Katyal in November 2023.
ED seized Yadav family's assets last year
Last month, the ED issued fresh summons to both Yadav and Tejashwi after they skipped their earlier summonses. However, they gave it a miss this time, too, and are yet to depose in the case. Notably, in July 2023, the ED seized properties worth Rs. 6 crore linked to Yadav, Devi, and Tejashwi. The assets included the family's properties in Delhi and Bihar.
Scam allegedly involves Yadav, Devi, their daughters
The ED's case stems from the CBI's 2022 FIR over the scam, which allegedly took place when Yadav was the railway minister. The CBI alleged the accused connived with the then-Central Railway chief personnel officer and general manager to hire "substitutes" in exchange for land sold to Yadav's family and aides at discounted rates. It purportedly involved Yadav, Devi, their daughters, and 12 others.
Yadav family denies allegations, slams Centre
Over the past few months, the ED has recorded statements of Devi and her daughters Bharti, Ragini Yadav, and Chanda Yadav in the alleged scam case. However, they denied all the allegations and accused the central government of misusing central probe agencies to target them.
