A Delhi court has officially framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and ex-Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav in the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotel tender scam. The case revolves around scams in awarding contracts for two IRCTC-controlled hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Lalu's term as railway minister of the UPA-I government.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, while delivering the operative portion of his order, remarked that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had laid a "comprehensive chain of evidence" indicating that the tender process was manipulated under Lalu Yadav's supervision. The court said that the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Court cites evidence pointing to family's gain from the deal
As noted by Hindustan Times, the court noted that Lalu Prasad Yadav purportedly utilised his ministerial role to grant tenders to Vijay and Vinay Kochar's Sujata Hotels in return for undervalued properties in Patna. The plots of land were allegedly sold to companies owned by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, reflecting a quid pro quo agreement.
Judge Gogne observed that the CBI probe made it evident that there was a clear connection between Lalu Yadav's public position and the private gains his family made. "The material on record is sufficient to proceed with trial," the court declared.
The CBI alleged in the charge sheet that terms and conditions of the tender for the hotels were altered to benefit the Kochars' firm, with terms and conditions modified to ensure their bid succeeded.
Subsequent to the court's direction, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav pleaded not guilty and asked for a trial by jury. The defence argued that the case was politically driven and based on speculation. However, the prosecution argued that the evidence proved how public office was misused for individual gain.
The next hearing will focus on cross-examining major witnesses and reviewing documents filed by the CBI, such as tender files and property records.
