Arrest in Land-for-Jobs Scam Linked to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav

Arrest in Land-for-Jobs Scam Linked to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav

Arrest in Land-for-Jobs Scam Linked to Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav

Amit Katyal, allegedly associated with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering probe connected to the alleged land-for-jobs scam case. This development intensifies the investigation into a scheme that reportedly occurred during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as the Railway Minister.

Details of Amit Katyal’s Arrest and Investigation

Katyal was detained and subsequently arrested following questioning by the ED. He had reportedly been evading the agency’s summons for approximately two months. The Delhi High Court recently dismissed his plea to quash the ED summons against him. In March, the ED had raided Katyal’s premises, alongside those of Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, and other family members.

Katyal’s Alleged Role and Association with RJD

The ED identifies Katyal as a “close associate” of the RJD supremo and a former director of A K Infosystems Private Limited, a company allegedly involved in the scam. The company’s registered address in New Friends Colony, South Delhi, was reportedly used by Tejashwi Yadav.

Nature of the Land-for-Jobs Scam

The scam allegedly took place between 2004 and 2009 when Lalu Prasad served as the Railway Minister in the UPA-1 government. It involved appointing individuals to Group “D” positions in the Indian Railways across various zones. In return, these appointees allegedly transferred their land to Lalu Prasad’s family members and A K Infosystems Private Limited at significantly discounted rates.

Legal Proceedings and CBI’s Allegations

The ED’s case is based on criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and stems from a CBI complaint. The CBI alleges that the appointments were made without public notice or advertisements, and that appointees or their family members sold land to Lalu Prasad’s family at rates much lower than market value.

This case represents a significant development in the ongoing investigations into corruption and irregularities during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister, implicating several key figures and entities in the alleged scheme.

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