IRCTC Hotels Tender Corruption Case (PMLA Case)

The IRCTC Hotels Tender Corruption Case, which emerged in 2017, involves allegations against Tejashwi Yadav, his parents Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, and other individuals. The core of the accusation is that during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Union Railway Minister (2004-2009), contracts for the maintenance and operation of two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were awarded to a private firm, Sujata Hotels. In return, a prime plot of land in Patna, belonging to Sujata Hotels, was allegedly transferred to Delight Marketing Company Pvt. Ltd. (later renamed Lallu Prasad Yadav's family enterprise, Lara Projects LLP) at a significantly undervalued rate. The CBI registered a case in July 2017 under sections of criminal conspiracy and corruption. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a parallel investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging that the land acquisition and other transactions constituted money laundering. Both agencies have filed chargesheets against Tejashwi Yadav. He has appeared before the courts multiple times and was granted bail in both the CBI and ED cases, along with other accused. The investigations and trials are continuing, focusing on proving the alleged quid pro quo arrangement and the illegitimate financial gains made by the accused, particularly Tejashwi Yadav's alleged role in benefiting from and facilitating these transactions.