‘Land-For-Jobs Scam’: Delhi HC Grants 6 Weeks Interim Bail To Amit Katyal

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday has granted interim bail for six weeks on medical grounds to Amit Katyal, a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land-for-jobs scam in the Indian Railways.

Katyal got arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on November 11, 2023, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, cited the necessity for ongoing medical care following bariatric surgery, unavailable in Tihar jail.

Justice Dharmesh Sharma’s vacation bench acknowledged Katyal’s specific dietary needs post-surgery, which the jail couldn’t adequately meet. The court emphasized the intensive care and continuous monitoring Katyal required, concluding that the jail facilities were inadequate for his recovery needs.

“The court is inclined to grant interim bail on medical grounds for six weeks,” stated the order, requiring Katyal to furnish a personal bond and a surety of ₹2.5 lakh each. Notably, the court pointed out that during a previous 84-day interim bail period, there were no allegations of probe interference against Katyal.

The Enforcement Directorate argued against the bail extension, noting Katyal’s previous interim release and suggesting home-cooked food delivery for his dietary needs. The agency alleged Katyal’s involvement in acquiring land from railway job aspirants for Lalu Prasad, through his company AK Infosystems Private Limited.

The case implicates other members of Lalu Prasad’s family, adding to the complexity of the investigation into the alleged scam.