The BRICS TimesBihar is gearing up for assembly elections, but the Lalu family faces a huge blow. Delhi court has named 14 people, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejaswi Yadav, as accused in the IRCTC scam. Here’s what happened.
Lalu Family Hit by IRCTC Scam Allegations
Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, the Lalu family received a major setback. The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has named Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav among 14 accused in the IRCTC scam. The court stated that the scam was orchestrated with Lalu’s knowledge, benefiting his family significantly. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav allegedly received land at extremely low rates. What exactly is this case about?
Origins of the IRCTC Hotel Scam
The IRCTC hotel scam dates back to the first term of the UPA government, when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as Railway Minister. At that time, IRCTC began the process of giving contracts for operating and maintaining BNR hotels in Puri and Ranchi to private companies. CBI claims the tender process was manipulated to favor Sujata Hotels Private Limited. In return, this hotel company allegedly transferred land at very low rates to a benami company linked to the Lalu family.
Land in Patna
According to CBI, land worth around ₹94 crore in Patna, spread over three acres, was sold for only ₹65 lakh, despite the circle rate being ₹32 crore. The land was transferred via a benami company called Digital Marketing Limited. Later, Lara Projects LLP, owned by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, acquired this benami company.
Accused in the Case
CBI named RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav as the main accused for orchestrating the entire plan. His wife and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi is accused of participating in the land deal. Tejashwi Yadav, former Deputy CM and current opposition leader in the assembly, is accused of benefiting his family. Former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta, owner of Sujata Hotels, are also accused.
14 People Under Charges
The investigation agency has also named four IRCTC officials and directors of Sujata Hotels as accused. Today, the court formally charged all 14 individuals. CBI claimed it had enough evidence to press charges against all accused. By March 1, CBI completed its arguments regarding the charges.
