Disproportionate assets case: CBI to file case against Lalu Yadav?

New Delhi: Noose seems to be tightening around RJD chief Lalu Prasad as the CBI may register a ‘disproportionate assets’ case against him or his family members in connection with the alleged irregularities in awarding tenders for development, maintenance and operation of railway hotels in Ranchi and Puri to a private company when he was the Union railway minister in the UPA.

Sources said, “The CBI is scrutinising the property related documents recovered during the recent searches at the Yadav family.” Initiating proceedings under the DA case against him and his family members can not be ruled out,” they added.

The CBI on July 5 registered a corruption case against the RJD chief, his family members, particularly his wife, and his son Tejashwi, Bihar’s deputy chief minister in connection with the alleged irregularities in tenders allotted to a private company — Sujata Hotels — for development, maintenance and operation of two railway hotels in BNR Ranchi and Puri.

The case was registered for cheating, criminal conspiracy and provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The CBI also conducted searches at 12 locations in Patna and Ranchi. The raids included the premises of the Yadav family as well as those of Mr Lalu Prasad’s confidant Prem Chand Gupta, whose wife Sarla Gupta is listed as an accused in the FIR.