Delhi Court Grants Bail to Ex-Bihar CM Rabri Devi and 2 Daughters in Land-for-Job Case, Controversial Decision
Delhi Court Grants Bail to Ex-Bihar CM Rabri Devi and Daughters Amidst Land-for-Job Controversy
On Wednesday, a Delhi court extended bail to Bihar’s former Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, alongside her daughters Hema Yadav and Misa Bharti, along with Hridayanand Chaudhary, a former railway employee, in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land-for-job scheme.
The quartet had filed regular bail petitions on February 9 after complying with court summons.
However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested additional time to respond to the bail pleas, citing the severity of the money laundering allegations in Delhi . Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Manish Jain, assisted by advocates Snehal Sharda and Ishaan Baisla, representing ED, argued for strict bail conditions if granted.
Judge Vishal Gogne acknowledged the prosecution’s stance but noted that ED hadn’t found it necessary to arrest the accused during its investigation. Consequently, the judge found no reason to deny bail.
Meanwhile, Amit Katyal sought an extension of his interim bail, granted on medical grounds. ED requested time to respond, and the matter is scheduled for further deliberation on March 5. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Katyal, highlighted that the interim bail is set to expire on March 4, prompting the court to extend it until March 5.
The case pertains to ED’s probe, initiated on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding an alleged land-for-job scam.
ED’s chargesheet alleges that two companies, AK Infosystems and AB Exports, were established to benefit Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family. AK Infosystems purportedly acquired 11 land parcels, transferred to the Yadav family for a meager sum despite a book value of ₹1.89 crore.
AB Exports, founded in 1996, allegedly generated ₹5 crore through questionable transactions by 2007. Tejashwi Yadav purportedly acquired AB Exports using funds from Amit Katyal. The agency also claims that proceeds from the sale of land parcels owned by Devi and Yadav’s daughters were transferred to Tejashwi and subsequently invested in AB Exports.
The ED asserts that these transactions were part of a broader scheme involving land acquisitions in exchange for securing Group D railway jobs. The investigation highlights Devi, Yadav’s daughters, and others’ involvement in the alleged money laundering activities.
As legal proceedings unfold in Delhi , the bail extensions provide temporary relief for the accused, offering them the opportunity to prepare their defense amidst ongoing investigations and hearings.
The legal saga in Delhi surrounding the alleged land-for-job case underscores the intricate web of allegations and investigations entangling prominent political figures. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the accused navigate a complex legal landscape, grappling with the weight of serious charges and the imperative to mount a robust defense.
Rabri Devi, a prominent political figure in Bihar, finds herself at the center of this legal maelstrom, alongside her daughters Hema Yadav and Misa Bharti. Their involvement in the case casts a shadow over their political legacy, as they confront accusations of financial impropriety and corruption.
The Enforcement Directorate’s pursuit of justice in this matter underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating financial crimes. With the stakes high and the allegations grave, the legal battle is poised to shape the political landscape of Bihar and beyond.
As the accused assert their innocence and seek legal recourse, the courtroom becomes a battleground for truth and justice. With the wheels of justice turning in Delhi , the outcome of this case will reverberate far beyond the confines of the courtroom, shaping public perception and political fortunes.
In the corridors of power, alliances shift, and allegiances are tested as the specter of corruption looms large. For Rabri Devi and her family, the legal battle represents a fight for their reputation and political survival. As they navigate the complexities of the legal process, they must confront the harsh realities of accountability and public scrutiny.
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