ED issues summons to Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap in land-for-jobs case

The ED has summoned RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tej Pratap for questioning in the land-for-jobs case. Rabri and Tej Pratap must appear on Tuesday, while Lalu is summoned on Wednesday in Patna.

In Short

• ED summons Lalu Prasad, Tej Pratap, and Rabri Devi in land-for-jobs case
• Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap to appear before agency on Tuesday, Lalu Yadav on Wednesday
• CBI chargesheet names 78 accused in case, including 30 government officials

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his son Tej Pratap Yadav, and his wife Rabri Devi for questioning in the land-for-jobs money laundering case. Tej Pratap and Rabri Devi have been asked to appear before the agency on Tuesday, while Lalu Prasad has been summoned on Wednesday in Patna.

The summons from the ED comes just days after a Delhi court also summoned Lalu Prasad, Tej Pratap, and their daughter Hema Yadav in connection with the case.

Rabri Devi is set to appear before the ED for questioning today at the agency's office in Patna in connection with the case. She is expected to reach the ED office at 10 am, where officials will record her statement. Lalu Prasad Yadav is also scheduled for questioning tomorrow.

The Rouse Avenue court, which took cognisance of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) final chargesheet, directed them to appear on March 11. The court also issued fresh summons to Lalu's younger son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. The CBI has named 78 accused in the case, including 30 government officials.

The case revolves around allegations that between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad was Union Railway Minister, land was illegally acquired at significantly reduced prices in exchange for appointing individuals to Group-D positions in the Indian Railways.

The CBI alleges that land parcels were transferred to Lalu Prasad's family members, including Rabri Devi and daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, at prices far below market value.

Last year, the ED filed a chargesheet in a Delhi court, naming Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, and Hema Yadav among the accused. The agency is investigating financial transactions linked to the alleged scam under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The alleged scam, which has been under investigation since 2022, has led to multiple charge sheets from both the CBI and the ED. President Droupadi Murmu had approved Lalu Prasad Yadav's prosecution in the case last year.

Despite the summonses, reports indicate that Lalu Prasad and his family members may not appear before the ED.

Previously, on January 29, the ED interrogated Lalu Prasad for 10 hours regarding the case. Last year, on January 30, Tejashwi Yadav was also questioned by the agency for eight hours.