Lalu Yadav and Family to Face Trial in IRCTC Scam Case
In a decision with significant political and legal ramifications, a Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav in the long-running IRCTC scam case. The ruling, delivered on Monday, represents a major setback for the prominent political family, particularly as it comes just weeks before the crucial Bihar Assembly elections are set to commence. The court found that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, noting that the senior leader had allegedly "engaged in conspiracy" and "abused his position" as a public servant.
The case, which has been under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), will now move to the trial phase after all the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against them. This development ensures that the corruption allegations will remain in the public eye during a politically sensitive period for the RJD, which is a key player in the Bihar political landscape. The court's order adds another chapter to the legal challenges that have followed the former Bihar Chief Minister for years.
The Core of the Allegations
The charges stem from alleged corruption that took place during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as the Union Minister for Railways between 2004 and 2009. The CBI's case centers on the allotment of maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels, located in Ranchi and Puri. It is alleged that these contracts were awarded on favorable terms to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar.
In what the CBI has framed as a quid pro quo arrangement, the investigating agency claims that in return for the lucrative contracts, the Kochar family transferred approximately three acres of prime real estate in Patna to the Yadav family. This transfer was allegedly facilitated through a benami, or front, company, effectively concealing the true beneficiaries of the transaction. The court's decision to frame charges suggests it found prima facie merit in the CBI's chain of evidence connecting the hotel contracts to the land deal.
Court's Scathing Observations
In its order, the Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts made several pointed observations, indicating the seriousness of the case. The court stated that there was "grave suspicion" that a multi-party conspiracy existed to facilitate the transfer of the land to the Yadav family. It noted that Lalu Yadav is accused of having personally intervened in the tender process, manipulating the eligibility conditions to favor the chosen firm.
The court also raised significant concerns about the financial aspects of the deal, observing that the land parcels were undervalued and that the subsequent transfer of shares in the holding company to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav appeared prima facie fraudulent. This alleged undervaluation, the court noted, resulted in a direct financial loss to the state exchequer. While Lalu Yadav's counsel argued that there was no material evidence to frame charges and that the tenders were awarded transparently, the court found sufficient grounds to proceed with a full trial. Based on the evidence, Lalu Yadav will be charged with criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy, while Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav will face charges of cheating and conspiracy.
