One of the most high-profile corruption cases in Indian political history, the long-running IRCTC scam has reached a new twist. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has officially framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and leader Tejashwi Yadav, among others. This case pertains to alleged corruption and misuse of power in awarding tenders for two IRCTC hotels located in Ranchi and Puri when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. Let’s take a look at the entire case and the amount embezzled.
What is IRCTC scam?
The IRCTC scam pertains to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister in the UPA government between 2004 and 2009. Meanwhile, Indian Railways had decided to lease out the operation and maintenance of two BNR hotels located at Ranchi and Puri to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. However, the CBI investigation later revealed that the bidding process was allegedly rigged to benefit Sujata Hotels Private Limited, a private firm owned by Vinay and Vijay Kochhar.
Benami land deals and alleged bribes
According to the CBI, the Lalu family was allegedly given three acres of valuable land in Patna as bribe to get the contract of Sujata Hotel. The land was transferred through a benami company, Digital Marketing Limited, and later acquired by Lara Projects LLP, owned by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav.
Land worth about ₹94 crore was reportedly sold for just ₹65 lakh, while its circle rate was ₹32 crore. The CBI argues that this was a transaction that benefited both parties at the expense of public interest. A Delhi court has framed charges against all the accused under various sections based on their alleged role. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav have been charged under sections 420 and 120B of the IPC for cheating and conspiracy.