CBI Alleges Forgery and Illicit Land Deals in Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 'Land-for-Jobs' Scam

 NEW DELHI, June 4, 2025 — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday presented fresh claims before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, asserting that individuals with no basic literacy—some reportedly unable to write their own names—were appointed to Group-D positions in the Indian Railways in exchange for land deals allegedly facilitated by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and members of his family.

Presenting arguments during the ongoing charge-framing proceedings, senior advocate and Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D.P. Singh stated, “Signatures, transfer certificates, and mark-sheets were forged. Candidates mentioned schools they had never attended in their applications.” When asked if these forgeries were aimed at meeting eligibility criteria, Singh confirmed, “Yes. A minimum qualification of passing Grade 8 is required to apply for such positions.”

The CBI further alleged that an entire school was fabricated solely to issue fake educational certificates.

In addition to fraudulent documents, the investigating agency highlighted suspicious real estate transactions. According to the CBI, multiple land parcels were acquired by Lalu Yadav’s family at rates up to 60% below market value, often in cash—a practice that raises serious questions about financial transparency and compliance.

The case, commonly referred to as the 'land-for-jobs' scam, centres around allegations that railway appointments were granted in exchange for land gifts or underpriced property transfers from job seekers or their relatives. The CBI has charged Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, several former public servants, and candidates involved in the alleged scheme.

Before the court, the prosecution also confirmed that official sanction to prosecute Lalu Prasad Yadav and other public servants had been secured, countering earlier objections raised by the defence.

The Delhi High Court has already dismissed Yadav’s petition seeking a stay on trial proceedings. On May 31, the court also rejected his plea to quash the First Information Report (FIR), which was argued by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. Sibal contended that the CBI had failed to obtain the mandatory prior approval required before initiating its inquiry in Yadav’s case, although approval had reportedly been obtained for other individuals.

The investigation, jointly pursued by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), continues to uncover what authorities describe as a complex network of corruption, forgery, and abuse of power during Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister.