Mamata seeks CBI probe into land deals during Lalu’s tenure

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has sought a CBI inquiry into allegations by JD-U MPs that people sold their land to her predecessor Lalu Prasad's relatives in exchange for railway jobs and contracts.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday indicated that her ministry may refer allegations of irregularities in recruitment during the tenure of her predecessor Lalu Prasad to CBI.

“If necessary,allegations of irregularities in Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) and Railway Recruitment Committees would be referred to an outside agency,” she told reporters in reply to media reports that she has ordered a CBI inquiry into the allegations of irregularities in recruitment during Lalu’s tenure.

MPs belonging to Lalu’s rival JD-U had alleged that people sold their land to the former Railway minister’s relatives in exchange for railway jobs and contracts.

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The Union Minister said irregularities in recruitment have also come in from North Eastern and South Eastern Railways and from states like Orissa.

“There are also reports from the vigilance commission and the High Court has also given a verdict,” she said,adding “several MPs have also complained about such irregularities.”

However,she clarified that the inquiry was “not against Lalu. I have respect for him. This is against corruption in a particular department”.