Lalu demands Sushil Modi's suspension, probe by CBI into Bhagalpur scam

After a stenographer in Bhagalpur DM's confidential section, among seven persons were arrested yesterday for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of a sum of over Rs. 300 crore from government's bank accounts, Rashtriya Janata Party (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday demanded the suspension of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and a proper probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

"I want the suspension of Sushil Kumar Modi. I also want a proper probe by the CBI. The scam happened in Bhagalpur and has now reached 1000 crore. People will get to know the reality when the CBI probes the issue," he said, while addressing the press conference.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has been inquiring the scam.

According to reports, the public money which was kept in the state government and the district administration bank accounts had been diverted to the bank accounts of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Srijan, its employees and bank officials.

The NGO was founded by Manorma Devi and is being run by her son and his wife after her death.

According to sources, an audit team of the finance department has already been sent to Bhagalpur.

Meanwhile, three FIRs have already been registered at the Bhagalpur Kotwali Police Station against the accused.