New Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has kept its order reserved on framing charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family in the high-profile IRCTC money laundering case. The decision is set for March 3, marking another pivotal moment in the long-running saga of corruption allegations against the former Bihar chief minister.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet naming 16 accused, including Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav, daughter Misa Bharti, and others. The agency alleges Lalu orchestrated a massive scheme during his tenure as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. Two prime IRCTC hotels were allegedly leased out in violation of rules to associates, including Sarla Gupta, wife of Lalu’s close aide Prem Gupta.
ED claims these deals funneled crores in black money into white through land transfers, with Lalu as the mastermind. Family members are accused of reaping financial benefits. Earlier, the special court under Judge Vishal Gogne cleared the path for trial on October 13, 2023, invoking IPC sections for cheating and criminal conspiracy, alongside anti-corruption laws.
On May 29, after exhaustive arguments, the court reserved its order on charges against Lalu, family members, Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta, and railway officials Rakesh Saxena and PK Goyal. The Delhi High Court had previously issued notices to CBI on pleas seeking to halt proceedings.
This development intensifies scrutiny on the Yadav family, already entangled in multiple probes. As the March 3 hearing approaches, political circles buzz with anticipation over potential implications for RJD’s leadership and Bihar’s political landscape.