CBI raids Lalu, files case in alleged land scam

He further said that all procedures regarding the tender and lease were followed .

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife, son and also four others. The case was registered in connection with the alleged irregularities in the tenders for hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006 when Lalu was the union railway minister.

The CBI filed cases against Rabri Devi, Tejashwi, a former managing director of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and Sarla Gupta, the wife of Lalu's close aide Prem Chand Gupta.

CBI sources told OneIndia that raids were conducted in at least 12 locations in Delhi, Patna, Gurgaon, Ranchi and Puri. The residences of Lalu, Rabri and the former IRCTC MD were also raided.

The case on hand relates to the irregularities in the tender for development, operations and maintenance of the BNR hotels in Ranchi and Puri. The tenders were awarded to Suajata Hotels in 2006 which is a private venture. The BNR hotels, are heritage hotels and were taken over from the Railways by the IRCTC.

Rakesh Asthana, spokesperson CBI said that the raids started at 7.30 am today. The raids are continuing at different locations, he also said. He also said that this case was registered on July 5 and after conducting a preliminary inquiry.

The CBI alleged that the Patna land was illegally transferred to Lalu's family as a favour. This was done in exchange for a 15 year lease given to one Harsh Kochar who runs two hotels for the Railways in Puri and Ranchi. Kocchar sold the two-acre plot in Patna to a company owned by the wife of an MP from Lalu's party named Prem Gupta. Later, the land was transferred in the name of Lalu's wife and sons.

OneIndia News