A New Delhi court recently took a significant step in the ongoing IRCTC scam case, formally framing charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav, who currently serves as the Leader of Opposition in Bihar. This development sets the stage for a trial, a crucial event with potential political ramifications, particularly with upcoming elections in Bihar.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne presided over the proceedings, where common charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating were leveled against Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav. The core of the case revolves around alleged irregularities in the allocation of operational contracts for two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels to a private entity.
Furthermore, Lalu Prasad Yadav faces additional charges under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act. All three accused have entered a plea of not guilty, and the comprehensive order detailing the charges is anticipated soon.
This decision follows an earlier directive from the court on September 24, which mandated the physical presence of all individuals accused for the formal framing of charges.
As per the CBI’s chargesheet, the alleged conspiracy unfolded between 2004 and 2014. During this period, two BNR hotels belonging to Indian Railways, located in Puri and Ranchi, were initially transferred to IRCTC. Subsequently, their operation, maintenance, and upkeep were controversially leased to Sujata Hotels Private Limited, a firm based in Patna, Bihar.
The investigative agency contends that the tender process for these contracts was systematically rigged and manipulated. It is alleged that the conditions were deliberately altered to unlawfully favor Sujata Hotels, giving an unfair advantage to the private entity.
The CBI’s chargesheet also includes the names of key officials such as V K Asthana and R K Goyal, both Group General Managers of IRCTC at the time, alongside Vijay Kochhar and Vinay Kochhar, who are directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of the Chanakya Hotel. Additionally, Delight Marketing Company, now recognized as Lara Projects, and Sujata Hotels Private Limited have been cited as accused organizations in this wide-ranging corruption investigation.