The CBI has questioned Anant Singh, the former JDU MLA from Mokama, in connection with allegations of cartelisation and large-scale irregularities in award of contracts at the NTPC plant in Barh.

Sources told PTI that Singh was interrogated in Patna's Beur Central Jail where he is currently lodged in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a builder, Raju Singh, in November 2014. The MLA, known for his muscle power and strong-arm tactics, is also accused in several cases of murder and rape.

The CBI, in its FIR, had alleged that there were large-scale irregularities in award of contracts to various parties by the NTPC for the super thermal power plant at Barh in Patna district. In pursuance to the information, a joint surprise check was conducted by the CBI, along with the vigilance branch of NTPC, where it was found that large-scale cartelisation took place at the time of filing tenders.

It was alleged that a local group, headed by Singh, was involved in the incident and did not allow outside parties to function and participate in the tender process.

The probe agency had carried out the search operation in August on the official premises of a co-accused firm and residential premises of the MLA in Patna.

Though the central investigation agency officials maintained the questioning session was a routine exercise, the political circles view a political tinge in the matter in the view of the upcoming Assembly elections.