Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has framed charges against Lalu Yadav, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and all other accused in the much-talked-about IRCTC scam case.
IRCTC घोटाले में लालू, राबड़ी और तेजस्वी को झटका, 420 के तहत आरोप तय
Amid preparations for the Bihar Assembly elections, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family have suffered a major legal setback. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has framed charges against Lalu Yadav, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, and all other accused in the highly controversial IRCTC scam case. This means that a formal trial will now begin against all of them.
Lalu Yadav arrived at court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, accompanied by his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, and RJD leader Premchand Gupta.
Benefits to Lalu’s Family: Court
During the framing of charges, the court acknowledged that the scam was planned with Lalu Yadav’s knowledge. The court stated that the accused in this case were involved in a larger conspiracy. The Lalu family benefited from this case. In exchange for the contract, Rabri and Tejashwi received land at a very low price. The allegation of quid pro quo is not apparent at this stage.
Under which sections were the charges framed?
The sections under which charges have been framed include IPC 420, IPC 120B, and sections 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. It should be noted that sections 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act apply only to Lalu Yadav.
During the hearing, the court asked Lalu Yadav, “Do you admit your guilt?” Lalu Yadav, along with Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, refused to admit their guilt. They stated that they would face trial. Rabri Yadav, however, stated that this is a false case.
What allegations did the CBI make in the IRCTC scam?
The charge sheet filed by the CBI claims that between 2004 and 2014, as part of a well-planned conspiracy, the Indian Railways’ BNR hotels in Puri and Ranchi were first transferred to the IRCTC. Subsequently, the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of these hotels was leased to Bihar-based Sujhaata Hotels Private Limited.
According to the agency, gross irregularities were committed in the process. The tender process was deliberately manipulated and conditions were altered to benefit Sujata Hotels. The charge sheet also states that this was part of a premeditated conspiracy.
In addition to V.K. Asthana and R.K. Goyal, then General Managers of IRCTC, the CBI has also named Vijay Kochhar and Vinay Kochhar, directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel, as accused in this case.
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