New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday formally framed corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating charges against former union minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in the IRCTC scam case. His wife, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and son, former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, have also been charged with multiple offences, including conspiracy and cheating.
All members of the Yadav family appeared physically before the court, responding to the directions issued last month by the Special Judge (PC Act), Vishal Gogne. Following their pleas of not guilty, the judge confirmed that the matter will proceed to trial.
Case background and allegations
The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the grant of operational contracts for two IRCTC hotels to a private entity. According to the CBI chargesheet, a conspiracy was hatched between 2004 and 2014, during which the BNR Hotel of Indian Railways, with properties in Puri and Ranchi, was first transferred to IRCTC. Subsequently, the hotels were leased out for operations, maintenance, and upkeep to Sujata Hotels, based in Patna, Bihar.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that the tendering process was rigged and manipulated, with conditions specifically tailored to favour Sujata Hotels. Officials named in the chargesheet include VK Asthana and RK Goyal, who were Group General Managers at IRCTC at the time, along with Vijay Kochhar and Vinay Kochhar, directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel.
Two firms, Delight Marketing Company (now Lara Projects) and Sujata Hotels, have also been named as accused companies in the ongoing investigation.
Court proceedings and Yadav family response
During Monday’s hearing, Lalu Prasad Yadav appeared confident and reiterated his not guilty plea when questioned by the court. Both Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav also entered not guilty pleas, signalling their intention to contest the charges in court.
The proceedings followed directions from the court last month, when it had mandated physical appearance of the accused for further hearings. This marked a significant step in the case, moving it from preliminary investigation to formal trial phase.
Significance of the case
The IRCTC case has attracted attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the alleged financial irregularities spanning over a decade. The CBI alleges that the conspiracy to rig tenders not only bypassed proper governance protocols but also financially benefited private players at the expense of public resources.
Analysts note that the case could have far-reaching implications for political and business accountability, given the involvement of a former union minister and multiple high-ranking IRCTC officials.
The case also highlights concerns over public sector hotel operations and lease management, particularly in situations where politically connected entities may gain undue advantages.
Next steps in the trial
With charges now formally framed, the case will proceed to trial in the Delhi court. During the trial, the CBI is expected to present documentary evidence, tender records, and communication trails to establish the alleged conspiracy. Witnesses, including former IRCTC officials and representatives from the private firms involved, are also likely to be called to testify.
Legal observers note that the trial could be lengthy, given the complex nature of the evidence and the high-profile status of the accused. Both the prosecution and the defence are expected to make detailed submissions regarding financial irregularities, tender processes, and compliance with government rules.
Conclusion
The framing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav marks a significant milestone in the IRCTC scam case, bringing it closer to a formal trial. The proceedings will test the efficiency of anti-corruption enforcement mechanisms and could set important precedents for the handling of cases involving high-ranking public officials and politically connected private entities.
The court’s next hearings will focus on evidence presentation and witness examination, which will determine the eventual outcome of this high-profile legal battle.