New Delhi . The legal troubles of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family have increased in the Land for Jobs case. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday formally framed charges against a total of 41 accused, including Lalu Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, in this much talked about case.

With this decision of the court, the way for regular trial in the case has now been cleared. Special Judge Vishal Gogane made strong remarks during the hearing and termed it prima facie an organized conspiracy. The court said the investigation indicated that the Railway Ministry was allegedly used as a personal fiefdom and properties were acquired by using government jobs as a bargaining chip.

Who will be prosecuted?
The prominent accused against whom the court has framed charges include Lalu Prasad Yadav (former Railway Minister), Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, besides Lalu Yadav’s daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav. Now the process of testimony and cross-examination will begin against a total of 41 accused. However, the court has acquitted 52 other people, giving relief in this case.

What is the Lend for Jobs issue?
The land-for-job case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to the agency, this alleged scam took place between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister in the central government. It is alleged that no public advertisement was issued for recruitment to Group-D posts of Railways and the selected candidates or their relatives allegedly transferred the land in the name of Lalu family or companies associated with them at low prices. Investigation has also revealed that in some cases the land registration was done even before the appointment letters were issued. The alleged transactions took place in various railway zones including Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hajipur. Now there will be a hearing in the court on the basis of evidence, in which the prosecution and defense will present their respective arguments.