The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Amit Katyal on November 11, 2023, as part of the money laundering investigations initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, specifically related to the Land for Job Scam.
The ED commenced its investigations based on the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the Land for Job Scam. The allegations in the FIR suggested that Lalu Prasad Yadav, the then Railway Minister, engaged in corrupt practices for the appointment of Group D substitutes in Indian Railways between 2004 and 2009. According to the FIR, underprivileged candidates were coerced into transferring land as a bribe in exchange for job opportunities within Indian Railways.
AK Infosystems is owned by Yadav
The CBI had previously filed a charge sheet, and M/s AK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. was among the accused. AK Infosystems Private Limited was involved in handling the transfers of the immovable properties, but this company was also owned/run by the members of Lalu Prasad’s family.
Out of seven instances of land transfer, it is revealed that three sale deeds were executed in favor of Rabri Devi, wife of Lalu Yadav, one sale deed was executed in the name of Misha Bharti, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav, one sale deed was executed in favor of M/s AK Infosystems Private Limited, in which later Rabri Devi became major shareholder, in the year 2014 and currently, she is one of the Director of the Company. Two gift deeds were executed in favor of Hema Yadav, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
ED’s investigations brought to light that Amit Katyal held the position of Director at M/s AK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. during the acquisition of land from candidates on behalf of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The company’s registered address, D-1088, New Friends Colony, New Delhi, coincides with the residence of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members.
Amit Katyal, in his capacity, acquired several other parcels of land for the company, receiving undue favors from Lalu Prasad Yadav during his tenure as the Minister of Railways. Subsequently, in 2014, the shares of the company were transferred to the family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
In an earlier operation on March 10, 2023, the ED conducted search operations resulting in the seizure of cash amounting to approximately Rs. 1 Crore and valuables equivalent to about Rs. 1.25 Crore. Additionally, on July 29, 2023, the ED provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs. 6.02 Crore. Following his arrest, Amit Katyal was presented before the Hon’ble Special Court on November 11, 2023, and the court granted ED custody until November 16, 2023.
The investigation is ongoing as the ED continues to delve into the details of the money laundering allegations.
