IRCTC Hotel Scam Case: Court Defers Pronounces Order On Charge; Lalu Prasad Yadav Among Accused

A Delhi court on Wednesday postponed its decision on whether to frame charges in the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation hotel scam case involving former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family, and several others.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for the maintenance of two IRCTC hotels during Yadav’s ministerial tenure.

Judge Seeks More Clarity, Next Hearing On August 5

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide further clarification before proceeding. The matter has now been scheduled for hearing on August 5.

The court had initially reserved its order on May 29, following several rounds of day-to-day hearings where both the CBI and the defence teams presented their arguments.

CBI Alleges Corruption & Criminal Conspiracy

On March 1, the CBI wrapped up its arguments, asserting that there was a clear conspiracy involving public servants and private parties in awarding hotel maintenance contracts to Sujata Hotel, a company owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar.

According to the agency, in exchange for granting contracts for the BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri hotels, Lalu Prasad Yadav received three acres of land through a benami company. The CBI maintains that this exchange amounted to bribery and abuse of power.

“There is sufficient material to frame charges against all accused persons,” said Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh, who appeared alongside advocate Manu Mishra.

The agency had initially filed an FIR on July 7, 2017, and subsequently conducted raids at 12 locations linked to Yadav and his family in Patna, Delhi, Ranchi, and Gurgaon.

Defence Seeks Discharge, Cites Lack Of Evidence

Appearing for Lalu Prasad Yadav, senior advocate Maninder Singh argued that the prosecution had failed to provide credible evidence to warrant the framing of charges.

“There were irregularities on the part of Lalu Prasad Yadav,” Singh stated, “but the tenders were awarded in a fair manner.” He contended that the case lacked sufficient grounds and added, “There is insufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav. He deserved to be discharged of the charges.”

14 Accused Including Family Members & Ex-Ministers

A total of 14 individuals have been named in the case, including Yadav’s wife Rabri Devi, son and current political leader Tejashwi Yadav, and former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta.

The next hearing will be held on August 5, when the court is expected to reconsider whether there is enough material to formally frame charges.

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