Trial against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC scam begins Monday at Rouse Avenue Court. The court has ordered daily hearings. The charges relate to corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.
IRCTC Scam: The trial in the high-profile IRCTC scam case commenced on Monday at Rouse Avenue Court. The main accused in this case are former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar Rabri Devi, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. In the previous hearing, the court had framed charges against all the accused, deeming them fit to face trial under corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating.
Decision for Daily Hearings in Court
Considering the seriousness of the case, the Rouse Avenue Court has ordered that the trial will be heard daily. The court ensured that there would be no scope for delay in the matter and that all legal procedures could be followed as quickly as possible.
Details of the IRCTC Scam
The IRCTC scam alleges that Lalu Prasad Yadav, during his tenure as Railway Minister (2004-2009), conspired criminally with the Kochar brothers (Vijay Kochar and Vinay Kochar). The Kochar brothers are directors of M/s Sujata Hotel Private Limited, which also owns Hotel Chanakya, Patna.
It is alleged that under this conspiracy, contracts for sub-leasing railway BNR hotels in Ranchi and Puri were awarded to M/s Sujata Hotel Private Limited to provide undue advantage. In return, the Kochar brothers first sold a significant plot of land in Patna to Prem Chand Gupta, a close associate of Lalu, and his associates. Later, this company came under the control of Lalu Yadav's family members, and this valuable property was transferred at a nominal price.
After the charges were read out by the judge, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav pleaded not guilty in court. All the accused clarified that they would face the trial and present their side before the court.
