Overview
- Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi appeared in the Rouse Avenue Court, pleaded not guilty, and said they will face trial, with permission to appear via video conferencing cited by counsel due to age and health.
- Charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating and Prevention of Corruption Act offences tied to allegations that Group D railway posts were exchanged for land during 2004–2009.
- The court said there is a prima facie overarching conspiracy allegedly mentored by Lalu Prasad Yadav to obtain properties through family members in return for public employment.
- Of 103 people charge-sheeted, charges now stand against 41, 52 have been discharged including several Chief Personnel Officers found to lack appointment authority, and five accused have died.
- The matter is listed for further proceedings on February 27, with prosecution evidence scheduled from March 9 to March 28, as a related ED money-laundering probe continues.