Land-for-job scam: Supplementary chargesheet filed in 2-3 weeks, says CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday that it will file a supplementary chargesheet in the alleged land-for-job scam case in two to three weeks.

While hearing the case on Wednesday, Special Judge Geetanjali Goel directed the CBI to provide a copy of the chargesheet filed earlier to all accused in the case.

The case has been set for May 8, 2023, by the Court. On Wednesday, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD MP Misa Bharti appeared in court in connection with the land-for-jobs scam case. Former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav requested a medical leave of absence.

The same Court granted regular bail to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, their daughter Misa Bharti, and other defendants in the case on March 15.

While granting regular bail to all accused, Special Judge Geetanjali Goel noted that the CBI had not arrested any of them and that the chargesheet was filed without any arrests.

The Court ordered that each accused post a Rs 50,000 personal bail bond and a similar amount surety.

The CBI stated in its earlier chargesheet filed in connection with the alleged land-for-job scam that irregular appointments of candidates were made in Central Railway, in violation of Indian Railways’ laid down norms and procedures for recruitment.

According to the CBI, the candidates sold land to the family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav (then Union Railway Minister) at highly discounted rates ranging from 1/4th to 1/5th of the prevailing market rates as a form of payment.