New Delhi/Patna: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has framed charges against nine people, including former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and their son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, in the money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the leasing of two IRCTC hotels.
The court discharged seven other accused persons from the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed its charge sheet against 16 individuals. The next hearing is scheduled for October 3.
Court cites alleged benefits to Lalu family
While framing charges, the court observed that there was a strong suspicion that Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav had derived benefits from the alleged proceeds of crime and had misused their official positions.
The court said the two were allegedly benefiting from land in Patna that was transferred in their favour between 2005 and 2014 at the alleged behest of Lalu Prasad, who was Railway Minister during the relevant period.
The proceedings stem from allegations of irregularities in the tendering and leasing of two IRCTC-run hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister.
According to the investigative agencies, the hotels were leased to private companies in violation of established rules. The agencies have alleged that the tender process lacked transparency and resulted in undue benefits to certain private companies.
CBI cites evidence
The Lalu family had challenged the lower court’s order framing corruption charges before the Delhi High Court.
Opposing the plea, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that it had sufficient and concrete evidence in the case. The agency said its investigation had uncovered documents and other evidence that supported the allegations.
The court had earlier observed that the alleged conspiracy behind the tender process was carried out with Lalu Prasad’s knowledge. It alleged that he interfered in the tender process, resulting in financial benefits to members of his family.
Based on these findings, the court decided to proceed with the trial against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav.
Who was named in the ED charge sheet
The 16 accused named in the ED case were Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Lara Projects, Sarla Gupta, Prem Chand Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, Nath Mal Kakrania, Rahul Yadav, Vijay Tripathi, Devki Nandan Tulsyan, Sujata Hotels, Vinay Kochar, Vijay Kochar, Rajiv Kumar Relan and Abhishek Finance Private Limited.
The court has discharged seven of those accused, while proceedings will continue against the remaining nine.
The allegations relate to events dating back to Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister and concern the tendering and leasing of IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri. The charges remain subject to trial and judicial determination.
