Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Lalu Prasad Yadav in IRCTC Scam
A Delhi court has formally framed corruption, cheating, and conspiracy charges against RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and several others in connection with the alleged IRCTC land scam.
Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order in the presence of all the accused, paving the way for a full trial.
Court Observations: Abuse of Position
While framing the charges, the court noted that Lalu Prasad Yadav abused his position as a Union Railway Minister and conspired to manipulate tender conditions for personal gain.
"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. You conspired with other accused for the subsequent transfer of effective control over these land parcels to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav."
Charges Against the Accused
Lalu Prasad Yadav: Criminal misconduct as a public servant, criminal conspiracy to commit cheating
Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav: Cheating and conspiracy to cheat
All accused pleaded not guilty, and the court confirmed that the case will proceed to trial.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister (2004–2009), two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were leased to Sujata Hotels through a manipulated tender process.
In return, land worth crores was allegedly transferred to a company linked to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav at a fraction of its market value, resulting in significant losses to the state exchequer.
The court order comes just ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, adding political tension to the ongoing battle between the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and the Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance. Analysts suggest that this development could have implications for both the RJD’s electoral prospects and the political narrative in the state.
With charges formally framed, the IRCTC case is set for trial in the coming months. The court’s observation about Lalu Prasad Yadav’s alleged abuse of power underscores the gravity of the allegations, while the timing ahead of elections ensures that the case will continue to attract national attention.