New Delhi, August 29: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has postponed its decision regarding the framing of charges in the alleged money laundering case linked to the IRCTC hotel scam involving RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, and other accused. The court has now scheduled the verdict for September 30.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Lalu Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, and several others.
This case pertains to the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, which was initially investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It is alleged that irregularities occurred in the awarding of contracts for the operation and maintenance of IRCTC hotels during Lalu Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009.
The ED claims that a private company was awarded hotel maintenance contracts without following the prescribed rules and procedures. In return, approximately three acres of valuable land was allegedly acquired through a shell company linked to Lalu Yadav’s family and close associates.
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint against a total of 16 accused, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Misa Bharti, and Hema Yadav, among others.
It is noteworthy that last October, the Rouse Avenue Court had framed charges against the accused in a related corruption case, citing fraud, criminal conspiracy, and corruption. All accused have pleaded not guilty in court.
Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav have challenged the trial court’s order in the Delhi High Court, where their petitions are still pending.
Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family have consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the tender process for the IRCTC hotel projects was entirely fair and transparent, claiming that the charges against them are politically motivated.
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