Mamata seeks probe into jobs-for-land scam during Lalu's tenure

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee [ Images] has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into allegation of irregularities in recruitment during the tenure of her predecessor Lalu Prasad, which the agency on Thursday said it was looking into.

"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 as Railway Minister.

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

Janata Dal (United) Members of Parliament have alleged that people sold their land to the former railway minister's relatives in exchange for railway jobs and contracts.

CBI spokesman Harsh Bahal said: "Based on the complainant of an MP of a political party, CBI received a communication from Ministry of Railways and it is being looked into. No further details can be shared at this stage," the spokesman said.

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

"There are reports from the vigilance commission and the High Court has also given a verdict," she said.