RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav appeared before Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, seeking acquittal in the corruption case related to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
The case pertains to alleged irregularities between 2004 and 2014 involving the transfer of hotel operations under IRCTC.
The trio argued that the charges against them were baseless and fabricated.
The case dates back to the period between 2004 and 2014, when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the Union Minister for Railways in the UPA government.
Allegations arose regarding the transfer of the operation of two Indian Railway hotels, located in Puri and Ranchi, to a private company, Sujata Hotels.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accused the Yadav family of engaging in a conspiracy to facilitate the transfer under dubious conditions and unfair practices.
The CBI claims that the tender process was manipulated to benefit Sujata Hotels, thus causing a loss to the exchequer.
During the hearing, senior counsel Maninder Singh, representing Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi, presented their case before Special Judge Vishal Gogna.
Singh argued that the CBI selectively framed charges without substantial evidence to support the allegations.
He further claimed that the CBI’s actions were ‘selective’ and ‘sponsored’, thus accusing the investigative agency of bias.
Singh contended that no valid case existed against the Yadav family to proceed with the charges, asserting that the court should dismiss the case.
The CBI accused the Yadav family, along with key figures like former IRCTC Group General Manager VK Asthana and Sujata Hotels directors Vijay and Vinay Kochhar, of manipulating the tendering process.
The alleged corruption also involves Lalu’s ministry’s decision to hand over the operational rights of the two hotels to Sujata Hotels under questionable conditions, thereby favoring private parties in exchange for illicit benefits.
The Rouse Avenue Court’s ruling will have significant implications on the Yadav family’s political and legal future.
If the court rules in favor of the Yadavs, it would lead to their acquittal and dismiss the allegations of corruption.
However, if the court decides to continue the case, Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi may face a lengthy trial that could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years.
The case is likely to have a profound impact on the Yadav family’s political standing, with the proceedings drawing attention across the country.
With the next hearing set for April 21, 2025, the outcome of this case will likely determine the future trajectory of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political career and influence.
In conclusion, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav’s plea for acquittal in the IRCTC corruption case continues to unfold in the courts, with their legal team presenting strong arguments to counter the charges.
The court’s decision will mark a critical moment for the Yadav family, the CBI’s investigation, and the broader political landscape.
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