New Delhi: The CBI on Monday registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) into the death of Vijay Singh Patel, who was earlier arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) in connection with the Vyapam scam.

Patel, an accused in two Vyapam cases, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh on April 28. His body was found inside a BJP legislator's lodge in Kanker.

Patel, a pharmacist and a resident of Rewa district, was posted at Shajapur district jail. He was arrested for Vyapam involvement but later released on bail.

"This is to enquire whether the death was related to the Vyapam cases or otherwise. The role attributed to him by the STF, Bhopal, was that of an alleged racketeer in Vyapam cases," a Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said in a statement.

The CBI has registered 12 cases so far to probe the Vyapam scam following the Supreme Court order.

More than 40 people associated with the Vyapam scam have died – mostly unnaturally or under mysterious circumstances.

(IANS)