New Delhi, September 10: Proceedings in the money-laundering case linked to the alleged IRCTC hotels scam are set to enter a crucial phase, with the trial court expected to take up the formal framing of charges on October 3.The case involves former Railway Minister and RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, daughter Misa Bharti and several other accused.
The proceedings stem from allegations concerning the award of contracts for operating two IRCTC hotels during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Railway Minister. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the contracts were granted in return for the transfer of valuable land through a company allegedly used as a benami entity.The CBI registered a case in July 2017 and subsequently conducted searches at several locations, including Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi and Gurugram.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) later initiated a money-laundering investigation based on the CBI case.The CBI case and the ED’s proceedings are separate, although they arise from the same underlying allegations.In the connected CBI case, the Rouse Avenue Court had framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in October 2025.
The charges relate to alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and offences under anti-corruption laws.Meanwhile, Rabri Devi has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the proceedings concerning the framing of charges in the money-laundering case.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has also sought similar relief.The High Court, while considering Lalu Yadav’s plea, did not grant an immediate stay and indicated that the investigating agency’s response was required before such relief could be considered.The legal proceedings date back several years.
In February 2023, a Delhi court took cognizance of the offences mentioned in the CBI charge sheet and summoned Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti and other accused.
The court had observed that the material placed before it prima facie disclosed various alleged offences.In March 2023, the court granted bail to Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti and others in the CBI-registered case.
With the money-laundering proceedings now approaching the charge-framing stage, the case is expected to see significant legal developments in the coming weeks. The allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial determination.
