ED Nabs Lalu Prasad's Associate in Land-for-Jobs Scam Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Amit Katyal, linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, in a money laundering probe related to the land-for-jobs scam. Katyal, a former director of AK Infosystems, evaded ED summons for two months. The case involves alleged corrupt railway appointments with land transfers to Lalu Prasad's family. The arrest follows a Delhi High Court rejection of Katyal's plea to quash the ED summons.

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In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended Amit Katyal, a crucial figure associated with RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the infamous land-for-jobs scam. Katyal, described as an "associate," was taken into custody after evading the agency's summons for approximately two months.

The arrest took place following a recent rejection by the Delhi High Court of Katyal's plea to quash the ED summons related to the same case. The ED, during a raid in March, had searched Katyal's premises, as well as those of Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav, and other family members. The agency alleges that Katyal, a former director of AK Infosystems Private Limited, is a close associate of Lalu Prasad and a beneficiary in the case.

The land-for-jobs scam traces its roots back to the time when Lalu Prasad served as the railway minister in the UPA-1 government. The scandal revolves around appointments to Group ‘D’ positions in Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009. Individuals were allegedly appointed without public notice, and in return, they purportedly transferred their land to Lalu Prasad's family members and AK Infosystems Private Limited.

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The ED's case, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), originated from a complaint lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI asserted that residents of Patna were appointed to railway positions in different zones, and in return, they sold land to Prasad's family at significantly discounted rates, a quid pro quo arrangement that raised suspicions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this arrest signifies a major step in the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations surrounding Lalu Prasad's family and associates in the land-for-jobs scam.