New Delhi | A Delhi court has formally framed charges against former Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav in the high-profile IRCTC land-for-hotel scam. The order comes just four weeks before the Bihar assembly elections, which are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, in a detailed 244-page order, observed that there is substantial suspicion that Lalu Yadav was the key conspirator behind the scam. The court charged the trio, along with 11 others, under serious offenses including criminal conspiracy, fraud, abuse of official position and misconduct by a public servant. The court has scheduled daily hearings starting from October 27
Allegations Against the Yadav Family
According to the court’s findings, Lalu Prasad Yadav, during his tenure as Railway Minister, is alleged to have conspired with Sujata Hotels’ directors Bijay and Vinay Kochhar to manipulate the tendering process related to IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri.
The Kochhar brothers allegedly transferred a valuable plot of land in Patna to a company linked to Lalu’s close aide Prem Chand Gupta. That company eventually came under the control of the Yadav family, and the land was officially transferred to them at a highly undervalued rate.
The judge noted that the evidence points toward serious doubts about Lalu’s role in skewing the tender process for personal gain, resulting in loss to the exchequer and undue benefits to his family.
Court Rejects Political Motive Argument
The defense had argued that the case was politically motivated, especially as it has resurfaced just before elections. However, the court dismissed the claim, stating that political motivation cannot be used as a blanket defense. It also added that if today’s investigation is being labeled as politically driven, it could equally be argued that the earlier closure of the case was politically influenced.
“The court does not accept the argument of political vendetta,” the judge said.
Tejashwi Yadav Calls It Political Vendetta
In response to the court’s decision, Tejashwi Yadav maintained that the case is part of a **“political witch hunt.”** He stated:
“This is clearly a case of revenge politics. As elections approach, such cases are deliberately brought up. We respect the judiciary and will fight the case legally and politically.”
BJP Responds: “This Is the RJD Model
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized the RJD, alleging that the party has a history of corruption.
“Taking land from the poor in exchange for job promises, manipulating contracts, and engaging in massive scams like fodder and bitumen — this is the governance model under the RJD,” he said.
Conclusion
As the case progresses, it’s poised to play a significant role in the political discourse ahead of the Bihar elections. The trial’s timing — starting just as campaigns heat up — ensures it will remain in the spotlight, with potential implications for both legal accountability and political fortunes.
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