Delhi Court Names Lalu, Rabri, and Tejashwi as Accused in IRCTC Scam; Trial to Proceed

New Delhi, 13th October 2025: In a setback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leadership ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday named Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav as accused in the IRCTC hotel tender scam, clearing the way for the trial to proceed against all three.

The court, while making the announcement, observed that “the entire conspiracy of the tender scam was hatched with Lalu’s knowledge. He had interference in the tender process, which benefited the Lalu family.”

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister.

Lalu Denies Allegations; Calls Case Politically Motivated

Lalu Yadav dismissed the charges as “baseless” and politically motivated. He arrived at the court in a wheelchair, accompanied by his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav.

Outside the court, Tejashwi Yadav told reporters, “We will fight this case legally. Such things were expected as the elections draw near. We respect the court’s process and will present our side.”

Defending his father’s legacy, Tejashwi added, “The man who made Indian Railways profitable by ₹90,000 crore, reduced fares, and was called a management guru by Harvard and IIM students — that man is being targeted. The people of Bihar and the country know the truth.”

He also posted a strong message on X (formerly Twitter) after the hearing:

“As long as the riotous and anti-constitutional BJP is in power and I am alive, I will continue to fight them. A month ago, Home Minister Amit Shah came to Bihar and threatened us, saying he would not leave us fit to contest elections. We will fight and win. We are Biharis; we are not afraid of outsiders.”

Charges and Possible Punishment

The court has decided to proceed with the trial against all three accused.

Lalu Prasad Yadav faces charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and fraud, while Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are charged under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

If convicted, the three could face imprisonment ranging from one to seven years, along with fines.

Land-for-Jobs Case Verdict Postponed

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Rouse Avenue Court has postponed the verdict on framing charges in the Land-for-Jobs scam involving Lalu, Tejashwi, and others. The decision is now expected on November 10.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged large-scale corruption in the case, claiming that plots of land were taken from job seekers in exchange for employment in the Indian Railways. According to the CBI, most transactions were carried out in cash, with only a few formal sale deeds.

The agency has filed a charge sheet under Sections 120, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the IPC and Sections 11, 12, 13, 8, and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Political Impact Ahead of Bihar Polls

The court’s move to proceed against the RJD’s top leadership comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Bihar Assembly elections around the corner. Analysts say the development could pose a challenge for Lalu’s party, which has been positioning itself as the principal challenger to the BJP-led NDA in the state.

However, the RJD maintains that the timing of the court proceedings reflects “political vendetta” and that the party’s campaign will continue undeterred.