Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Family in Corruption Cases

Charges Framed in High-Profile Corruption Cases

A Delhi court on Monday, October 13, 2025, formally framed criminal charges against former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and son Tejashwi Yadav in connection with alleged corruption in the IRCTC hotel scam and the land-for-jobs scam. Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order, paving the way for a full trial in these significant cases. All accused, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav, pleaded 'not guilty' and stated they would face the trial.

The IRCTC Hotel Corruption Case

The IRCTC hotel scam case dates back to Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Union Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges a conspiracy wherein the operational contracts of two IRCTC hotels, located in Ranchi and Puri, were leased to a private firm, Sujata Hotels, through a manipulated tender process.

• The CBI claims that in return for awarding these contracts, prime land parcels were allegedly transferred to a company linked to Lalu Prasad Yadav's family at a fraction of their market value.
• The chargesheet also names former IRCTC Group General Managers V.K. Asthana and R.K. Goyal, along with Vijay Kochhar and Vinay Kochhar, directors of Sujata Hotels.

The Alleged Land-for-Jobs Scam

Concurrently, charges were also framed in the land-for-jobs scam. This case also pertains to the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav served as Union Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. The CBI alleges that individuals were given Group D jobs in the Indian Railways in exchange for transferring land parcels to Lalu Prasad Yadav's family members or associated entities.

• According to the CBI, these land transfers were often made at highly discounted rates, significantly below prevailing market prices.
• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating the money laundering aspects of this scam, estimating laundered proceeds to be around Rs. 600 crore.

Specific Charges and Accused's Stance

The court has framed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

• Lalu Prasad Yadav faces charges including corruption, criminal conspiracy, cheating, and provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act for abusing his position as a public servant.
• Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav have been charged with criminal conspiracy and cheating, specifically under IPC sections 420 and 120B.

Despite the framing of charges, all accused maintained their innocence. Lalu Prasad Yadav reportedly stated, 'Not guilty, will face trial,' a sentiment echoed by his family members. The commencement of the trial is anticipated to have significant political implications, particularly ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections 2025.