Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials visited the residence of former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rabri Devi on Monday, 6 March, to question her in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam.
However, officials said that there is no search or raid taking place, as reported by news agency PTI.
In relation to the case, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has issued summons to the accused, including former Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and others, on 15 March.
Background:
In May 2022, the CBI had alleged that during the period 2004-09, then Minister of Railways Lalu Prasad had obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of transfer of landed property, in the name of his family members and associates in lieu of appointment of about 12 substitutes in Group D posts in different zones of Railways.
About 1,05,292 square feet of land/immovable properties situated at Patna were acquired by family members of said minister through 05 sale deeds and 02 gift deeds, showing the payment made to seller in cash in most of the land transfer.
CBI statement
Further, the following allegations have been levelled against Lalu Prasad by the CBI:
About 12 candidates were allegedly appointed as substitutes in Group D positions within three days of applying in "undue haste" by railway officials and were later regularised
The substitutes, who were residents of Patna themselves or through their family members, sold and gifted their Patna land in transactions favouring the family members of the former railways minister
A private company – AK Infosystems Private Limited – controlled by family members was involved in transfer of such immoveable properties in the name of said family members
No advertisement or any public notice was issued for such appointment of substitutes in Zonal Railways
The appointees, though they were residents of Patna, were appointed as substitutes in different Zonal Railways located at Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Hazipur
The agency had booked a total of 16 persons in May, including:
Former Minister of Railways Lalu Prasad
Rabri Prasad (wife of Lalu Prasad)
Misa Bharti (daughter of Lalu Prasad)
Hema Yadav (daughter of Lalu Prasad)
Unknown public servants
Unknown private persons
