Patna, Nov. 11: A vigilance probe has been ordered into alleged irregularities in the distribution of foodgrain and kerosene through public distribution system (PDS) shops in East Champaran district in north Bihar.

The probe assumes significance in the wake of chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Seva Yatra, which was launched from West Champaran yesterday.

A vigilance team, headed by Upendra Prasad Singh, the vigilance superintendent of police, Muzaffarpur, has been assigned to look into the complaints about irregularities in the distribution of foodgrain and kerosene to the people living below the poverty line.

“The bureau will ascertain the role of the officials of the supply department in committing alleged irregularities,” said a senior officer of the bureau in Patna on Friday.

He said the bureau would also probe the criminal liabilities of the supply department officials.

The government decided to hand over the probe to the vigilance bureau on the basis of the reports of the commissioner of Tirhut division and the district magistrate of East Champaran, who, prima facie found the allegations to be true.

When contacted, additional director-general of police (vigilance) Pramod Kumar Thakur said a separate team headed by an SP-rank officer has been constituted to look into the irregularities. “The bureau will inquire into details of the irregularities,” he added.

The team left for Motihari, the district headquarters of East Champaran, today evening.