PATNA, June 24 -- The Bihar government has suspended Beur Central Jail Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jha for alleged irregularities on Tuesday. Anomalies at the prison included indisciplined behaviour, extortion from inmates by organised gangs, exorbitant pricing of edible items and VIP treatment for some inmates, officials said. Assistant Inspector General (Prisons) Rajiv Kumar has been given the additional charge of Beur jail superintendent. Beur is a high-profile and sensitive jail in Bihar where most of the state's notorious criminals are lodged. Recently, many surrendered Maoists were also shifted to this jail. During the suspension period, Neeraj Jha's headquarters has been fixed at Bhagalpur Jail. The prison and district administration under the state government's home department executed the suspension after a surprise raid at the jail on June 20, officials added. The inspection followed a series of complaints sent by some inmates over a period of time. The raiding team submitted its inspection report to the Inspector General of Prisons who recommended immediate suspension of Jha under the Bihar Government Servant (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005. In a notification issued by the home department, the investigation found that an illegal mess service operates within the jail and unauthorised electric heaters are used for cooking. It also found that prison personnel sold goods at rates above MRP; for example, 800 ml of mustard oil was sold for Rs.500, with similar high pricing for other items. The investigation found that food is not served to inmates according to the prescribed menu. The investigation noted that officials of the jail administration, in connivance with jailed criminals, extort Rs.3,000 to Rs.5,000 per month from inmates to provide them decent food and security from dreaded inmates. It also found that young inmates are placed in cells with notorious older inmates against the jail rules. The investigation team also alleged that Jha did not cooperate with the team during the inspection. An official said Jha's resistance to the investigation-by reaching the jail premises despite being on leave- indicates his serious indiscipline, administrative failure, dereliction of duty and negligence. According to the home department, action may also be taken against several other personnel, including the jailor and deputy superintendents for widespread irregularities inside the jail premises....