By Vishwapati
Patna: Lalu Prasad Yadav, the former Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for approximately five hours today in connection with the alleged Land-for-Jobs scam. His daughter, Misa Bharti, accompanied him to the ED office in Patna. Tight security measures were implemented outside the ED office, with a significant presence of RJD supporters who gathered to show solidarity. The supporters raised slogans in his favour for an extended period.
This marks another round of questioning for Lalu Prasad Yadav in the ongoing investigation. Upon his arrival at the ED office, officials first enquired about his well-being before proceeding with the interrogation. According to sources, Lalu Yadav was seated in a room for questioning and asked to sign the attendance register. The officials reportedly began by asking about his health and offering him water, tea, or coffee. In response, Lalu Yadav, speaking in his characteristic Bhojpuri style, assured them that he was fine. His daughter, Misa Bharti, remained present with him throughout this initial interaction.
However, the formal questioning was conducted solely with Lalu Yadav. After the initial courtesies, ED officials began their interrogation, focusing on a detailed list of questions. Sources indicate that Lalu Yadav was questioned extensively about the source of land acquired by him and his family.
Tight Security Outside ED Office
Security was significantly bolstered outside the ED office during Lalu Yadav’s questioning. A large contingent of security forces was deployed to manage the situation, as a crowd of RJD supporters gathered outside the premises. The supporters were vocal in their backing of Lalu Yadav, chanting slogans and expressing their support.
The investigation pertains to allegations that land and flats were acquired by Lalu Prasad’s family in exchange for providing jobs in the Railways during his tenure as Railway Minister. Earlier, on 18 March, the ED had questioned Lalu’s wife, Rabri Devi, and his son, Tej Pratap Yadav, at the Patna office. Today, Lalu Prasad himself appeared before the ED in response to a summons.
Lalu Prasad arrived at the Enforcement Directorate’s Patna office as per the ED’s directive. After some time, officials began questioning him regarding the Land-for-Jobs case. The ED had summoned Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Tej Pratap Yadav to their Patna office for interrogation in this matter. While Rabri Devi and Tej Pratap Yadav were questioned separately earlier, Lalu Prasad faced questioning today. Sources reveal that he was presented with evidence, including land-related documents and details of job allocations, but failed to provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed by the ED.
The case continues to draw significant attention, with the ED intensifying its probe into the alleged irregularities during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
