What Is the IRCTC Scam? ‘You Abused Your Position,’ Says Court While Charging Lalu Yadav

IRCTC scam: In a latest development in the IRCTC scam case, the Delhi court has today ordered the framing of cheating charges against the former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Yadav, and his son Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC hotel scam case.

As per the court order, Lalu Prasad Yadav will face charges of criminal misconduct as a public servant, along with criminal conspiracy to commit cheating. Meanwhile, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav be charged with cheating and conspiracy to cheat.

On Monday, the Delhi court, while framing charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav and others in the alleged IRCTC scam case said, "You engaged in conspiracy and abused your position."

Notably, the order was passed by the Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne in presence of all the accused. Meanwhile, Justice Gogne said, "The case will go to trial," after Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other accused pleaded not guilty.

What Delhi Court said in IRCTC scam case?

While announcing the order in IRCTC scam case, the court said, "You engaged in conspiracy and abused your position as a public servant. You influenced the tender and manipulated eligibility conditions. You conspired for undervalued purchase of land parcels,"

"You conspired with other accused for the subsequent transfer of effective control over these land parcels to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav," the court added. 

What is IRCTC scam case?

It is to be noted here that CBI has alleged that between 2004 and 2009, during Lalu Yadav's term as Union Railway Minister, two IRCTC hotels one in Ranchi and other in Puri were leased to Sujata Hotels through conspiracy. Meanwhile, in return, land costing crores was transferred to a company linked to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav.

Notably, the order in the IRCTC scam came just before the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled next month.