Charges have been framed against Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and their son Tejashwi Yadav in connection with the alleged IRCTC hotel scam. The decision was made by a Delhi court, setting the stage for a trial that comes just ahead of the Bihar elections. Special Judge Vishal Gogne announced the charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating against Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, while Lalu Prasad faces additional charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. All three have pleaded not guilty.

The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the leasing of two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels to a private firm. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a conspiracy took place between 2004 and 2014, during which the BNR hotels in Puri and Ranchi were transferred to IRCTC and subsequently leased to Sujata Hotels Private Limited. The CBI claims that the tender process was manipulated to favour Sujata Hotels, which is based in Patna.

The chargesheet also implicates several individuals, including IRCTC officials V K Asthana and R K Goyal, as well as directors of Sujata Hotels, Vijay Kochhar and Vinay Kochhar. Other firms, including Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, have also been named in the case.

The court's decision follows a previous directive for all accused to appear physically for the framing of charges. A detailed order from the court is still awaited, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.