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Just before the Bihar elections, Delhi court frames charges against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi in the IRCTC scam. Did the timing of this verdict tip the political scales? Here’s what it could mean for the state’s poll battle.
New Delhi: The political climate in Bihar is heating up ahead of the elections since the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi ordered the framing of charges against 14 accused, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and his son and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.
This case relates to alleged irregularities and corruption within the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Following this court decision, the trial will formally begin.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash in his show 'The MTA Speaks' explained the impact this decision will have on Bihar politics, and why questions are being raised about its timing. Why this decision is considered significant for the Lalu family, and its implications are being considered in the context of the Bihar Assembly elections.
The court clarified that this incident took place with Lalu Prasad Yadav's knowledge and consent, and that he was the mastermind behind the conspiracy. The court stated that Lalu Yadav, as Railway Minister, used his official authority to manipulate the tender process and benefit the private company Sujata Hotels. The court also acknowledged that the Lalu family directly benefited from this process. Under this scheme, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav received valuable land in Patna at very low prices.
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The court framed charges against Lalu Yadav under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav will be tried only under sections 120B and 420 of the IPC.
The court also stated that all the accused were involved in a larger conspiracy and prima facie it appeared that Lalu Yadav had full knowledge of the transfer of BNR Hotels. Lalu Yadav and his family members were present in court during today's hearing.
Lalu Yadav arrived in court on a wheelchair, while Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav accompanied him in the court premises. The court asked the three whether they pleaded guilty or would face trial. All the accused chose not to plead guilty and stated that they would face the trial and challenge the verdict.
The CBI initiated an investigation into the IRCTC scam on July 7, 2017. During the investigation, raids were conducted at 12 locations in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi, and Gurugram linked to Lalu Yadav and his family. The allegation was that between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Yadav was Railway Minister, maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels—BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri—were awarded illegally.
According to the chargesheet, these contracts were awarded to Sujata Hotels, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochhar. It is alleged that three acres of valuable land was transacted through a benami company linked to the Lalu family.
The CBI chargesheet also alleges that government rules were altered to award the maintenance contracts for the two hotels to private firms linked to the Lalu family. The tender process was manipulated to benefit Sujata Hotels. The chargesheet also names V.K. Asthana and R.K. Asthana, then Group General Managers of IRCTC.
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Goyal, director of Sujata Hotels, and Vijay and Vinay Kochhar, owners of Chanakya Hotel, are also named. Delight Marketing and Sujata Hotels Private Limited are also named as accused companies. Delight Marketing is now known as Lara Projects.
The court also stated in its order that the Lalu family received land at a very low price in exchange for the contract. Reading the chargesheet, the court stated that the valuation of all plots available for sale was deliberately undervalued, and when the company was given a share, these properties passed into the hands of Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi. The court also clarified that the CBI had presented a full array of evidence and was going to frame charges. The special court reserved its decision on framing charges for May 29, 2025.
Justice experts say the court took its time because it was a complex and detailed case involving a wide range of evidence, documents, and witnesses. The reason for the delay in the verdict is that the court ensured a balanced evaluation of all arguments. However, the Lalu family and their supporters are now questioning the court's decision.
They say that the court reserved its decision on May 29th, but the decision came in the middle of the election, after the election was announced. According to them, this timing raises doubts about the political context and electoral gains.
They also said that while the court's decision may be legally correct, it is natural for the public to have questions due to the timing and election environment.
Responding to the Lalu family, they stated that they will face all allegations legally and exercise their rights throughout the trial. Tejashwi Yadav told the media that analyzing the evidence presented in court is the primary priority and that they will present their defense during the trial. Rabri Devi stated that they will respect the judicial process and will fully attend court and present their side.
Opposition parties welcomed the decision, stating that it is part of the judicial process. They also stated that the court's decision should not be influenced by political pressure and that all parties should maintain impartiality.
Political analysts are also saying that the electoral implications of this decision cannot be ignored, as this matter directly touches the credibility of the Lalu family and the perception of their supporters. Now, the most important question: what impact could this decision have on the Bihar elections?
