A Delhi court framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and several others in the alleged IRCTC scam case, ordering a full trial after all accused pleaded not guilty.
Delhi Court’s Observations
Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts delivered the order in the presence of all accused, stating: “You engaged in conspiracy and abused your position as a public servant. You influenced the tender and manipulated eligibility conditions. You conspired for undervalued purchase of land parcels.”
The court added: “You conspired with other accused for the subsequent transfer of effective control over these land parcels to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav.”
Charges Framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav
Lalu Prasad Yadav will face charges of criminal misconduct as a public servant and criminal conspiracy to commit cheating. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are charged with cheating and conspiracy to cheat.
“The case will go to trial,” Justice Gogne announced after the accused entered not guilty pleas.
Case Background
The Central Bureau of Investigation alleges that during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009, two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were leased to Sujata Hotels through a manipulated tender process.
In exchange, land worth crores was reportedly transferred to a company allegedly linked to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav at substantially below market value, causing significant loss to the state exchequer.
The court order arrives just ahead of Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for next month, potentially intensifying the political confrontation between the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan opposition alliance and the ruling Nitish Kumar-BJP coalition.
Trial Ahead
With charges formally framed, the case now proceeds to full trial, where prosecution and defense will present evidence and arguments. The accused will have opportunity to contest the allegations through legal proceedings.
The development represents a significant legal setback for the Yadav family as Bihar politics enters a crucial electoral phase. The RJD has historically dismissed the charges as politically motivated, though the party’s response to this specific order was not immediately available.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of alleged corruption during UPA-era railway ministry operations, with potential implications for Bihar’s political landscape.
