In a major development, a Delhi court has framed charges against veteran politician Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav. The charges, filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, relate to allegations of criminal conspiracy and cheating in connection with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotel corruption case. The case specifically looks into the awarding of tender processes for two IRCTC-owned hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s time as the Union Railway Minister.
According to the court’s findings, as presented by the CBI, Lalu Prasad Yadav is accused of influencing the tender process to favor Sujata Hotels. Furthermore, he allegedly facilitated land deals where co-accused Vijay and Vinay Kochar transferred valuable land parcels to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav at prices deemed to be undervalued. The court noted that a clear chain of evidence suggests a conspiracy was hatched with Yadav’s knowledge.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has entered a plea of not guilty and has requested a trial in the matter.
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