Today, On 27th February: A court has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a two-week extension to file the conclusive charge sheet in the “Land-for-Jobs” case. The case revolves around allegations of exchanging land parcels for job appointments within the railways during the period of 2004-2009.
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New Delhi, India – February 27, 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court of its intention to file the concluding charge sheet in the land-for-jobs case within the next two weeks. During the hearing, the CBI presented its progress, stating that the investigation is nearing completion, and it anticipates submitting the concluding charge sheet.
Special judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court has granted the CBI a two-week extension to file the conclusive charge sheet, scheduling the next hearing for March 14. The court responded to the CBI’s request for additional time, allowing the agency to finalize its findings and legal proceedings.
Previously, on January 30, the CBI had informed the court to file a supplementary charge sheet by the end of February 2024. This development came during a response to an application by RJD leader Ahmed Ashfaq Karim regarding the release of a seized amount of cash totaling Rs. 13 lakh, which remains pending until the filing of the supplementary charge sheet.
On October 4, the court had granted bail to former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Rabri Devi and others in in relation to fresh Chargesheet in alleged Land for Job Scam case.
According to the CBI, this is the second chargesheet in the designated court against 17 accused including then Union Minister of Railways, his wife, son, then GM of West Central Railways (WCR), then two CPOs of WCR, private persons, private company etc. in a case related to Land for Job Scam
CBI had registered a case on May 18, 2022 against then Union Minister of Railways and others including his wife, two daughters and unknown public servants and private persons.
During investigation, it was found that then Union Minister of Railways with intent to acquire the land parcels situated at the places where his family was already owning land parcels or the places which were already connected to him entered into conspiracy with associates and family members and allegedly derived a design to grab the land of various land owners by offering / providing group D omployment in Railways, CBI said.
The accused had allegedly collected applications and documents of such candidates through associates and then sent those to West Central Railway for processing and providing jobs in Railways and the General Managers of West Central Railways under the influence /control of accused accorded approval for engagement of candidates
Background
The case, which involves allegations against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and other accused individuals, is currently in the document scrutiny phase following the filing of the charge sheet. The CBI had previously sought time to respond to applications from Lalu Prasad Yadav and others requesting document disclosure. The accusations revolve around the alleged exchange of “Land- For- Jobs” appointments within the railways during the period of 2004-2009, implicating prominent figures including a former Union Minister of Railways, his family, and associates.
The investigation, which began in May 2022, alleges irregularities in the appointment process and the acquisition of land parcels through illicit means. To date, the CBI has filed multiple charge sheets against the accused parties, with investigations ongoing. The case highlights concerns over corruption and nepotism in public service appointments, particularly within the railway sector, and underscores the importance of thorough legal proceedings to address such issues.
