Nitish seeks details on report of Lalu's relative about compensation

Patna, May 12(UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today sought details about compensation claim made by relatives of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad against plots of land provided to them earlier by the state government, treating them as landless.

Mr Kumar told reporters after a 'janata durbar' that he would seek details from the concerned officers.

''Land is provided to landless people in accordance with certain norms and if it is acquired by the Railways or the Central government in public interest, compensation is paid to concerned parties as per the rules,'' he added.

Mr Kumar said he would not say anything about the action to be taken in this connection as he was unaware of the facts and would ask the authorities to send the details soon.

It is to be noted that wife of Lalu's brother Gulab Rai was provided a plot by the state government at Phulwaria village in Gopalganj district in 2003.

The land was later acquired by the Railways for construction of Phulwaria railway station and work was in progress. But it was stayed by Mr Rai on the ground that his wife was yet to get compensation from the Railways. Reports about it had appeared in a section of the press.

UNI KKS PL RN1732