Patna: A Delhi court has summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi and their son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in connection with the IRCTC hotel scam, in a development that could complicate the political landscape ahead of the Bihar assembly elections in 2025.
The Rouse Avenue court has directed the Yadav family, along with other accused, to appear on October 13 when it is expected to deliver its verdict on whether charges will be formally framed.
The case dates back to Lalu’s tenure as railway minister in the UPA government between 2004 and 2009. Investigators allege that contracts for the upkeep of two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels were awarded to Sujata Hotels in exchange for three acres of prime land transferred to the Yadav family at a nominal rate.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR in July 2017, questioning Rabri Devi soon after. A chargesheet was filed in 2018, naming the RJD supremo, his wife and their son among others. All three were later granted bail.
After reserving its decision on the charges in May this year, the court has now fixed October 13 for the next hearing, setting the stage for a potentially high-profile legal battle as Bihar moves closer to election season.
