Lalu-Rabri Family Faces Fresh Trouble in IRCTC Scam as 24 Witnesses Testify Against Them

New Delhi:
Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family appear to be facing increasing legal pressure in the high-profile IRCTC scam case, as a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has completed the examination of nearly two dozen prosecution witnesses, all of whom have reportedly testified against the accused.

According to sources, the witnesses have provided statements in court pointing towards the alleged involvement of Lalu Prasad Yadav and other accused persons in the case related to the manipulation of tender conditions for IRCTC hotels.

CBI May Present More Witnesses Next Week

Officials familiar with the proceedings stated that the CBI may produce another set of around 24 prosecution witnesses next week. These witnesses are expected to testify regarding the alleged role of:

• Lalu Prasad Yadav
• Rabri Devi
• Tejashwi Yadav
• Other co-accused individuals

After the prosecution’s examination is completed, defence lawyers will cross-examine the witnesses. The defence is expected to begin its cross-examination process by the end of this month.

Sources further revealed that the CBI will decide whether to summon additional witnesses only after the cross-examination of those who have already recorded their statements.

Case Registered in 2017 Over Alleged Tender Manipulation

The CBI had registered the IRCTC case in July 2017, alleging that during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister, the tender conditions for IRCTC hotels were manipulated to provide undue benefit to certain private parties, resulting in illegal financial gains.

Charges Framed in October Last Year

In a major development last year, a special CBI court framed charges against the accused in October, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others.

The court charged Lalu Prasad Yadav under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with charges of:

• Criminal conspiracy
• Cheating
• Fraud
• Other related offences

Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other accused have also been charged with conspiracy and cheating.

Court Observations Strengthen Prosecution’s Case

Special CBI Judge Vishal Gogne, while framing charges, observed that there was prima facie evidence suggesting that Lalu Prasad Yadav had full knowledge of the process and allegedly interfered to influence the transfer of the hotels.

The judge further remarked that significant changes were made in the tender process, and it appeared likely that land plots were undervalued during the transaction and later came under the control of individuals linked to the accused.

Trial Progressing, Next Hearing Crucial

With multiple witnesses already testifying against the accused and more expected to appear soon, the IRCTC scam trial is entering a crucial phase. The upcoming hearings, especially the cross-examination of witnesses, will play a key role in determining the direction of the case.