CBI No Response to Lalu's Weekly Hearing Plea in IRCTC Scam Trial

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has remained silent on a plea from former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi seeking a weekly hearing for their trial in the IRCTC hotel corruption case, heard at the Rouse Avenue court. The accused have also requested an extension of four weeks to prepare for witness cross-examinations.

The case involves alleged corruption in awarding tenders for two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during Yadav's ministerial tenure. Special Judge Vishal Gogne presided over the proceedings, with Senior Advocate D P Singh representing the CBI. The court recorded testimony from two prosecution witnesses despite no formal response being filed by the CBI to the defendants' applications.

Prosecution evidence gathering continues as Senior Advocate Singh opposed any delays in proceedings, emphasizing witness availability from outside Delhi. Previously, the court framed charges of criminal conspiracy and other offences against 14 accused, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejaswi Yadav, all of whom deny the charges and are prepared for trial.