Delhi court defers decision on Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members and others in IRCTC hotel scam

A Delhi court today deferred till June 9 its decision on framing charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members and others in the alleged money laundering case linked to the IRCTC hotel scam. The case is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and is based on a predicate offence registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The ED has alleged that irregularities took place in awarding contracts for operating IRCTC hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. According to the agency, hotel maintenance contracts were allegedly given to a private company without following prescribed procedures. The company was reportedly linked to close associates of the RJD chief.

The probe agency also alleged that, in return, around three acres of prime land were acquired through a benami company linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family members and associates. Those named in the case include Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, among others.