In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its efforts to uncover the truth behind the Land for Job Scam on the Lalu Prasad Yadav Family. On 08-01-2024, the ED filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against several individuals and companies. The accused include prominent names such as Amit Katyal, Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti, Hema Yadav, Hridyanand Chaudhary, and two companies—M/s A K Infosystems Private Limited and M/s A B Exports Pvt. Ltd.
The Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), New Delhi, acknowledged the PC on 27.01.2024, subsequently issuing notices to the accused persons. They are expected to appear on 09.02.2024 for further trial, marking a crucial phase in the legal proceedings.
The roots of this investigation trace back to an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the Land for Job Scam. The allegations suggest that Lalu Prasad Yadav, the then Railway Minister, engaged in corruption for the appointment of Group D substitutes in Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009. Shockingly, candidates were purportedly coerced into transferring land as bribes in exchange for jobs within the Indian Railways, as outlined in the FIR. The CBI has already filed a charge sheet in connection with these allegations.
Family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, including Rabri Devi, Misha Bharti, and Hema Yadav, are implicated in the PC. They are accused of receiving land parcels from the families of selected candidates for nominal amounts. Hridyanand Chaudhary, another individual named in the PC, is alleged to have acquired the property from one of the candidates while working in Rabri Devi’s gaushala (cow shelter) and subsequently transferred it to Hema Yadav.
The two companies, M/s A K Infosystems Private Limited and M/s A B Exports Pvt. Ltd., are identified as shell companies in the ED’s investigation. These entities allegedly received the proceeds of crime on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family. It is asserted that immovable properties were acquired through frontmen, and the shares were later transferred to family members for nominal amounts. Amit Katyal, who managed these companies for Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, is a key player in the unfolding saga.
In a prior move, the ED conducted search operations on 10-03-2023, resulting in the seizure of cash totaling approximately Rs. one Cro and valuables equivalent to about Rs. 1.25 Crore. Further action saw the provisional attachment of immovable properties worth Rs. 6.02 Crore on 29-07-2023. The ED arrested Amit Katyal on 11-11-2023, alleging that he knowingly assisted Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family in money laundering. As of the latest update, Amit Katyal remains in judicial custody.
As the investigation unfolds, it brings to light the intricate web of corruption and money laundering surrounding the Land for Job Scam. The upcoming trial on 09.02.2024 is anticipated to shed more light on the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and may mark a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice in this high-profile case.
