Delhi Court Frames Corruption Charges Against Lalu Yadav Family Ahead of Bihar Elections

Lalu Yadav, his son Tejashwi and wife Rabri Devi are among the accused in the IRCTC case

New Delhi:

A Delhi court has dealt a significant blow to the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) leading family just weeks before the critical Bihar elections, framing charges in a corruption case against party founder Lalu Prasad Yadav, his son and Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. The prominent political family has pleaded not guilty and expressed their readiness to face trial.

The Rouse Avenue court has framed charges against Lalu Yadav and family members under provisions related to cheating, criminal conspiracy, and the Prevention of Corruption Act. While Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav denied any wrongdoing, Rabri Devi explicitly stated that the case is "wrong."

The allegations center on corruption in the allocation of maintenance contracts for IRCTC hotels during Lalu Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. According to investigators, maintenance contracts for BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri hotels were awarded to Sujata Hotel. The CBI alleges that in exchange for this arrangement, Lalu Yadav acquired three acres of valuable land through a benami company.

In 2017, the CBI registered an FIR against Lalu Yadav and his family members. The investigative agency informed the Delhi court that sufficient evidence existed to frame charges against all accused parties. Lalu Yadav's legal representation argued against this position, claiming there was inadequate material to justify charges and that the tender awards followed proper procedures.

The court observed that "probable fraud must be tried as cheating" and clarified that the loss to the exchequer represents an actual monetary loss rather than a mere figure of speech. It further noted that "the conspiracy is sublime, but is not hidden from the court's view."

According to the court, preliminary investigation findings indicate that Lalu Yadav conspired with other accused individuals, abused his position, and influenced the tender issuance and award process in exchange for undervalued land purchases.

This court decision represents a major setback for the RJD as it prepares for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The ruling will likely embolden the RJD's political opponents to intensify their attacks regarding corruption issues.