Lucknow, (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government Friday directed the Special Investigating Team (SIT) to continue its probe into the Rs 35,000 crore food-grains scam till the CBI formally takes over its inquiry.

The SIT has so far conducted inquiries in three districts - Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Gonda - and the government had recommended a CBI inquiry on its report, but the country's premier investigation agency has not yet taken up the case.

"The SIT, which had conducted the inquiry into the scam committed between 2004-2005 (during the rule of Samajwadi Party) on the basis of which a CBI inquiry was recommended, will continue the probe till the premier investigating agency takes it up," the Principal Secretary, Home, J N Chamber said.

Though the scam had already been probed by district and departmental authorities at different stages, the same would be inquired afresh by the SIT in order to ensure that there was no discrepancy, he said.

The Mayawati government had asked the CBI to take up the case and conduct an inquiry all over again, but the agency has not taken up the case.

The Chamber said the government has also handed over inquiries into Rs 20 crore scam in Lucknow development authority's metro city project besides supply of sub-standard rice by mills in Hardoi.