A Delhi court on Monday framed money laundering charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav and several others in the alleged Lara Projects money laundering case.
Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order.
Charges framed against Lalu, family
The court also framed money laundering charges against Lara Projects, Sarla Gupta, Prem Chand Gupta, Sujata Hotels, Vinay Kochhar and Vijay Kochar.
At the same time, the court discharged Rahul Yadav, Lalu Yadav's son-in-law, along with Gaurav Gupta, Nath Mal Kankarnia, Vijay Tripathi, DN Tulshyan, Rajiv Relan and Abhishek Finance.
The development follows an earlier order of October 13, 2025, when the court charged Lalu Yadav with corruption, criminal conspiracy and cheating. Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi were also charged with several offences, including conspiracy and cheating.
CBI alleges land-for-contract arrangement
The case originates from allegations made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Lalu Yadav, who served as Railway Minister between 2004 and 2009.
According to the CBI, Lalu Yadav and members of his family received prime land and shares as bribes in return for awarding railway contracts to a private company.
The agency has alleged that two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were leased to Sujata Hotels through a manipulated tender process during Lalu Yadav's tenure.
In return, land worth crores was allegedly transferred to a company linked to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav at prices significantly below its market value, according to the allegations.
ED case based on CBI FIR
Following the CBI's FIR, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case under the PMLA against Lalu Yadav and his family.
The proceedings before the Delhi court concern the alleged laundering of proceeds linked to the transactions under investigation.
The Yadav family has denied the allegations and questioned the investigation, maintaining that there is no evidence against them. They have also alleged that the case is politically motivated.