IRCTC Scam: Delhi Court Frames Corruption and Conspiracy Charges Against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Ahead of Bihar Polls

Delhi: In a major blow to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday framed serious charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav in connection with the IRCTC Scam case.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for the maintenance of two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Union Railway Minister.

Along with the Yadav family, 11 others have also been charged under Section 420 (cheating) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Lalu Prasad Yadav additionally faces charges under Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which relate to criminal misconduct by a public servant.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, has reportedly presented a detailed chain of evidence to substantiate the allegations. The court observed that there was sufficient material on record to proceed with the trial.

All three key accused pleaded not guilty. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Rabri Devi asserted, “This is a false case. We will fight it legally.”

Echoing her stance, Tejashwi Yadav said, “We reject all allegations and are ready to face trial.”