A Delhi court framed criminal charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC scam case on October 13.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of Rouse Avenue Court charged the trio with corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating. The case involves alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for IRCTC hotels during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister.
The Central Bureau of Investigation filed the chargesheet in 2018. Investigators accused Lalu Yadav of influencing the tender process to benefit private firms linked to his family. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav allegedly played roles in facilitating the deals.
The IRCTC scam case has drawn national attention due to the political stature of the accused. Lalu Yadav, a former Bihar Chief Minister and Union Minister, denied all allegations. His legal team plans to challenge the charges.
The court found sufficient evidence to proceed with trial. The judge noted patterns of favoritism and financial irregularities in the hotel lease agreements. The prosecution submitted documents and witness statements to support its claims.
Tejashwi Yadav, currently serving as Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, appeared in court alongside his parents. The trio maintained their innocence and called the case politically motivated.
The IRCTC scam case could impact Bihar’s political landscape ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. Analysts expect the trial to influence public perception and party dynamics.
The next hearing is scheduled for November. The court will examine further evidence and hear arguments from both sides.
