Lalu Yadav, family to face money laundering charges in IRCTC case over 'abuse of office' | India News - hindustantimes.com

**Lalu Yadav family faces money‑laundering charges in IRCTC case** *Delhi, September 10 —* A Delhi court on Monday ordered that money‑laundering charges be formally framed against former railway minister **Lalu Prasad Yadav**, his wife **Rabri Devi**, and their son **Tejashwi Yadav** in connection with the alleged IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) scam. The court’s decision follows a detailed charge‑sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that accuses the trio of “abuse of office” to siphon funds from the state‑run hospitality enterprise and launder the proceeds through a network of shell companies and benami accounts.

The ED’s investigation, launched after irregularities were uncovered in the allotment of hotel contracts to private operators linked to the Yadav family, alleges that Lalu Prasad Yadav, while serving as Railway Minister in 2004‑2009, used his influence to grant favorable terms to certain firms. The probe further contends that the proceeds from inflated contracts were routed through a series of financial entities in India and abroad, ultimately benefitting the Yadav family’s personal wealth. The court’s framing order means the prosecution can now move forward with the substantive trial, while the defense has been granted a limited window to contest the charges before the next hearing.

Legal experts note that the framing of money‑laundering charges is a critical procedural step that does not yet constitute a conviction, but it underscores the seriousness of the allegations. The case arrives at a politically sensitive time, with Tejashwi Yadav serving as the leader of the opposition in Bihar and the Yadav family maintaining a prominent role in national politics. Observers expect that the proceedings will be closely watched for any impact on upcoming electoral dynamics and for the broader message it sends about accountability for public office holders accused of financial misconduct.

---