Rabri Devi Seeks Transfer of Cases; CBI May Challenge Allegation of Judge Bias in IRCTC Scam

New Delhi: Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has filed a petition seeking the transfer of four ongoing cases against her and her family from Special Judge Vishal Gogne. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which recently fixed charges against Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and other co-accused in the alleged IRCTC scam, may oppose her plea.

Rabri Devi’s Petition
In her petition before the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Rabri Devi requested the transfer of the cases, including the IRCTC case and the alleged “land-for-job” corruption cases being pursued by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering investigation. She alleged that the Special Judge has been biased and has conducted the proceedings in a pre-planned manner against her and her family members.

Allegations of Bias
According to the petition, “During the proceedings of the above-mentioned cases, the conduct of the Special Judge appears to be unduly favorable to the prosecution, creating a reasonable apprehension of bias in the mind of the petitioner. In the interest of justice, fairness, and impartiality, these cases should be transferred to a court with competent jurisdiction.” Rabri Devi claimed that her concerns were based on specific incidents observed during the hearings, not on speculation or conjecture.

CBI’s Likely Counter
Sources close to the case told Economic Times that the CBI may oppose the petition on the grounds that Rabri Devi is indulging in ‘forum shopping’. They may argue that the judge is not biased, but merely enforcing proceedings that may be inconvenient for her. To support the judge’s impartiality, the agency could point out that the court has consistently allowed ample opportunities for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and other accused to present their arguments.

The case remains under judicial consideration, with the CBI expected to respond to the petition in the coming hearings.