The case was heard at the Rouse Avenue Court, where Special Judge Vishal Gogne exempted Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav from appearing in person between February 1 and 25. The exemption was granted specifically for the purpose of framing formal charges. The court allowed their appearance through video conferencing.
During Thursday’s proceedings, RJD MP from Pataliputra and Lalu Prasad’s elder daughter Misa Bharti, along with her sister Hema Yadav, appeared before the court in person. Both denied the allegations levelled against them by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Their presence was recorded and statements were noted as part of the trial process.
The court announced that regular hearings will commence from March 9, with proceedings to be conducted on a day-to-day basis. The trial will focus on the recording of prosecution evidence in a case registered by the CBI.
Earlier, on January 9, the court framed charges against 41 accused, including several members of the Lalu family, while discharging 52 other individuals. The court had observed that there was sufficient material to proceed against the remaining accused, though it clarified that framing of charges does not amount to a finding of guilt.
In a previous order, the court made strong remarks, stating that the allegations pointed to an organised conspiracy. It noted that government jobs were allegedly used as leverage to acquire immovable properties in the names of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family members and close associates.
According to the CBI, the alleged conspiracy was hatched between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as Union Railway Minister. During this period, several individuals from Bihar were appointed to Group-D posts across multiple railway zones. In return, land parcels were allegedly transferred to members of the Yadav family and to a private company, AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd, later linked to them.
The investigating agency claims that many land transfers took place even before the jobs were granted, often through gift deeds and at nominal prices. It has also alleged that cash payments were made to the landowners.
The court has reiterated that all allegations will be tested during trial, and the defence will have full opportunity to contest the evidence. Lalu Prasad Yadav retains the right to challenge the order before a higher court.
