Lalu Family Charged in IRCTC Scam Case; Court Says Misuse of Position and Conspiracy Involved

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Troubles have once again increased for RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and Bihar Assembly opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav. On Monday, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi framed charges against the three in the IRCTC scam and Land-for-Job case.

Court Statement on Conspiracy and Misuse of Power

The special CBI court noted in its order that Lalu Yadav directly interfered in the tender process and altered procedures, confirming corruption and conspiracy. The court stated that all actions were carried out with Lalu Yadav’s knowledge and consent, and the land-for-job scheme was designed by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav to benefit themselves.

Special CBI Court Judge Vishal Gogane said during Monday’s hearing that Lalu Yadav misused his official position. Charges were framed against Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as well as IPC provisions for fraud and conspiracy.

Court Appearance and Proceedings

Earlier, Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav appeared in person at the Rouse Avenue Court. Lalu Yadav attended the court proceedings in a wheelchair. The court had made the presence of all accused mandatory.

Details of the IRCTC Scam

The IRCTC case alleges that during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister, major irregularities occurred in the tenders for BNR Hotels in Ranchi and Puri. Land owned by companies linked to the Lalu family was allotted to private companies in exchange for hotel contracts.

The CBI filed charges against Lalu, Rabri, Tejashwi, and several others under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Political Implications in Bihar

The court’s decision has stirred political activity in Bihar. Tensions over seat-sharing continue between RJD and Congress within the Mahagathbandhan. RJD has offered 52 seats to Congress, while Congress insists on 60 seats. Meanwhile, Congress’s Central Election Committee is meeting in Delhi today, an important development for Bihar’s alliance politics.

Currently, Lalu and Tejashwi are staying at Meesa Bharti’s Pandara Park residence in Delhi. The next hearing in the case will be scheduled following the court’s order.