In a suspenseful turn, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday reserved its order on whether to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and kin in the IRCTC laundering probe. The court will pronounce its verdict on March 3, keeping the nation hooked on this enduring corruption drama.
At the heart is the ED’s chargesheet against 16 individuals, spotlighting Lalu, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, and Tej Pratap Yadav. The agency paints Lalu as the chief conspirator who, as Rail Minister, bent rules to hand over IRCTC hotels to loyalists like Sarla Gupta without tenders.
Proceeds from these sham leases allegedly entered family coffers via suspicious land deals worth crores. The special PC Act court had earlier rejected discharge pleas on October 13, 2023, setting the stage for trial under cheating, conspiracy, and graft statutes.
Arguments spanned weeks, culminating in the May 29 reservation. High Court interventions added layers, with notices to CBI on stay requests from Rabri and Tejashwi. Railway officers and Gupta associates also face the heat.
The IRCTC scam underscores systemic rot in public contracts during UPA years. With elections looming in Bihar, this ruling could reshape alliances and narratives, testing Lalu’s enduring clout amid health woes and legal battles.