Court Frames Charges Against Lalu, Rabri and Tejashwi in IRCTC Scam Case
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday framed charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, in the alleged IRCTC scam case — paving the way for trial ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne framed common charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating against Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, while Lalu Prasad faces additional charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. All three have pleaded not guilty. A detailed order is awaited.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the awarding of operational contracts for two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels in Puri and Ranchi to a private firm. According to the CBI chargesheet, between 2004 and 2014, BNR hotels of the Indian Railways were first transferred to IRCTC and later leased to Sujata Hotels Private Limited for operations and maintenance.
Investigators allege that the tender process was manipulated and conditions were altered to favour Sujata Hotels, owned by Patna-based businessmen Vijay and Vinay Kochhar.
The chargesheet also names former IRCTC group general managers V. K. Asthana and R. K. Goyal, along with Delight Marketing Company (now Lara Projects) and Sujata Hotels Private Limited, as accused in the case.
Earlier, on September 24, the court had directed all accused to appear in person for the order on framing of charges.
