Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Lalu Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Rabri Devi in IRCTC Scam Case
A Delhi court has officially framed charges in the IRCTC scam case against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav, marking a significant development in the long-pending corruption case. The allegations stem from irregularities during Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009, involving the allotment of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels to a private company in exchange for prime land.
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Court’s Decision and Charges
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court framed charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court noted that Lalu Prasad Yadav, while serving as Railway Minister, influenced the tender process for two IRCTC-owned hotels — BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri — and awarded them to Sujata Hotels, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar.
In return, it is alleged that the Kochars transferred undervalued land parcels to companies linked to Lalu’s wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav. The court stated that there is “sufficient material to proceed to trial” against all the accused.
The case will now move to the trial stage, as all accused, including Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi, have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Background of the IRCTC Scam Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR in July 2017, alleging corruption in the allotment of maintenance contracts for the two IRCTC hotels. The CBI claimed that land worth several crores was transferred at a fraction of its market value to a firm allegedly owned by Lalu Yadav’s family, as part of a quid pro quo arrangement.
The agency also conducted raids at 12 locations linked to Lalu Yadav and his family in Patna, Ranchi, New Delhi, and Gurgaon, seizing key documents as evidence.
During arguments, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D.P. Singh, along with advocate Manu Mishra, contended that the evidence clearly indicates a conspiracy involving the manipulation of tenders and misuse of ministerial powers.
Defense Claims Political Vendetta
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that the charges were politically motivated and that no irregularities occurred in the tender process. He stated that all procedures followed during the allotment were transparent and that the CBI’s claims lack substantial proof.
The defense maintained that Lalu Yadav deserves to be discharged, as there is “no material evidence” proving corruption or personal benefit from the alleged deal.
Despite the defense’s plea for discharge, the court ruled that the evidence on record warrants a full trial.
Timeline of the Case
- 2004–2009: Alleged corruption period during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister.
- July 7, 2017: CBI registers FIR and conducts multiple raids.
- March 1, 2025: CBI concludes its arguments.
- May 29, 2025: Court reserves its order after detailed hearings.
- October 13, 2025: Charges formally framed by the Delhi court.
Next Steps in Proceedings
The accused — including former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta and others — will now face a full-fledged trial. The court’s next hearing is expected to set the timeline for witness examination and submission of additional evidence.
Meanwhile, the RJD leadership continues to allege that the case is part of a broader effort to target opposition figures through investigative agencies. However, the CBI maintains that the probe is based on documentary evidence and independent verification of the land transfers.
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With the Delhi court framing corruption and conspiracy charges against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav, the case now enters a critical phase. As the trial begins, all eyes will be on the evidence presented by the CBI and the defense’s strategy to challenge the allegations. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications for Bihar’s political landscape and for the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s leadership.
