ED files charges against Lalu Yadav and associates over alleged IRCTC hotel contracts

The Enforcement Directorate has formally charged sixteen individuals in connection with the IRCTC hotel money‑laundering case. Among those named are former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former chief minister Rabri Devi, opposition legislator Tejashwi Yadav, and other political and business figures. According to the ED, the contracts for operating and maintaining IRCTC‑run hotels were granted without adhering to the standard bidding process, resulting in the transfer of valuable land to an entity with no visible ownership, purportedly linked to the accused. The charge sheet cites sections of the Prevention of Money‑Laundering Act, criminal conspiracy, and corruption. All accused have pleaded not guilty and have appealed the lower‑court verdict in the Delhi High Court.