Srijan scam accused dies in Bihar hospital

Mandal's condition deteriorated and he died late on Sunday night. Bhagalpur senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar told IANS over telephone: "Mandal was not keeping well after his arrest. He had some kidney problem."

The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has raised questions over Mandal's sudden demise.

"It is a mysterious death. Is it going the Vyapam scam way as in Madhya Pradesh -- where one after the other the accused and witnesses died," RJD Vice President Shivanand Tiwari said.

He said this might have been done to suppress evidence and information that Mandal could have revealed.

The Srijan scam involves a Bhagalpur-based NGO, Srijan Mahila Vikas Sahyog Samiti Limited, which used to provide vocational training to women.

The NGO allegedly pilfered funds meant for government welfare schemes from the bank accounts of the Bhagalpur district administration.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on August 17 recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the scam following the RJD's demand.