cbi-concludes-arguments-on-charges-against-lalu-yadav

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday concluded its arguments on framing charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta, and other accused in the IRCTC hotel tender corruption case.

 

The case involves alleged corruption and conspiracy in the awarding of maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels to a private company. The CBI’s Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D.P. Singh, along with advocate Manu Mishra, argued before Special CBI Judge Vishal Gogne that there was evidence of wrongdoing in the contract allotment process.

The court is hearing arguments daily from February 28 to March 7, with the next phase focusing on arguments from the defense counsel.

Key allegations against Lalu Yadav and others

The CBI has asserted that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister (2004-2009), he and other accused were involved in a corrupt deal. The allegations include:

• Awarding the maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels—BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri—to Sujata Hotel, a private firm.
• In return, Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly received three acres of prime land through a benami company.
• The tender process was manipulated to favour the accused, bypassing standard procedures.

Also Read: Land-for-jobs case: Court defers order on Lalu chargesheet

CBI's investigation and raids

 

The CBI registered an FIR on July 7, 2017, formally initiating the case. As part of its investigation, the agency conducted raids at 12 locations, including properties linked to Lalu Yadav and his family in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi, and Gurgaon.

 

The CBI maintains that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with framing charges against all accused individuals. The court will now hear arguments from the defense, after which a decision on the charges will be made.

This case remains a significant legal challenge for Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, as they continue to face scrutiny over corruption allegations related to his tenure as Railway Minister.

 

Also Read: Delhi court summons Lalu Prasad, kin in job scam case