Bihar Govt. hands over soil scam probe to vigilance department

The Bihar Government on Saturday handed over the investigation of the soil scam, involving Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tej Pratap Yadav to vigilance department.

The Bihar Government had earlier in April ordered probe into the scam involving Rs. 90 lakh.

Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh had directed the forest and environment department to conduct a probe into the alleged scam and file a report at the earliest.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had, however, demanded setting up of an all-party committee to investigate the matter.

Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, had earlier alleged that the soil used for construction of pathways and improvement of the mall near Saguna Mor was purchased by Patna zoo for Rs 90 lakh without any tender.

This happened during Tej Pratap's tenure as minister of the forest and environment department.

Sushil Kumar had also claimed the land on which the mall was built, belonged to a company where Lalu Prasad's sons - Tejashwi Prasad and Tej Pratap - were members of the board of directors.