Will the Law Hold Corrupt Individuals Accountable in the IRCTC Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nityanand Rai emphasizes that the law will hold all corrupt individuals accountable.
- The court has formally charged prominent political figures.
- The IRCTC scam highlights issues of governance and corruption.
- This case could impact the political dynamics in Bihar.
Patna, Oct 13 (NationPress) Following the decision by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi to file charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav regarding the IRCTC Railway Tender scam, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai asserted that the law does not exempt anyone implicated in corruption.
“The law stands above all. Those who engage in corruption or scams will face punishment from the court. The manner in which Lalu Prasad Yadav allegedly executed these scams will ultimately bring justice to him and his family,” Rai stated.
He further commented, “During his leadership, Lalu Prasad Yadav presided over 15 years of Jungle Raj in Bihar, during which numerous scams occurred. These fraudulent activities resulted in losses amounting to thousands of crores for the state treasury, with funds allegedly funneled to Lalu’s family, obstructing Bihar’s progress.”
Referring to the Land-for-Job case as a national scandal, Rai remarked, “While serving as the Union Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav exploited his position for personal benefit. Such scandals have damaged Bihar’s reputation on a national scale. The citizens of Bihar are aware of every detail.”
Linking the case to the current political climate, Rai stated, “With the Bihar elections approaching, the people of the state will hold accountable those responsible for bringing Jungle Raj. The RJD will never regain power in Bihar.”
The Rouse Avenue Court has formally charged Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav under Section 420 of the IPC (cheating) and regulations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The court noted that Lalu Prasad Yadav misused his official capacity as Union Railway Minister and orchestrated the transfer of land into the names of his wife and son in return for hotel tenders.
This case dates back to 2004–2009, during which Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the Union Railway Minister.
According to the CBI, maintenance contracts for two IRCTC hotels—one in Ranchi and another in Puri—were improperly awarded to a private entity, Sujata Hotels, in exchange for valuable land in Patna that was allegedly assigned to Lalu’s family members.