Patna, Dec 8 (IANS): The Bihar government on Thursday decided to challenge the bail granted to Usha Sinha, one of the masterminds behind the Bihar education board exam topper scam.

Sinha, former Janata Dal-United legislator, was granted bail by the special court of vigilance-I judge here on November 30, nearly five months after she was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with her husband and Bihar School Examination Board's former Chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh.

Bihar Education Minister Ashok Choudhary told media here that the state government will challenge her bail in the apex court soon.

"The government has made all preparations in this connection to file a petition against her bail in the apex court," he said.

Choudhary said Bihar and its education system was defamed because of the topper scam and "we will not spare anyone accused of topper scam".

He said the government will ensure tough punishment to Usha Sinha and her husband, who is considered kingpin of the scam by the court and currently lodged in a jail here. "There is no question of any relief to them."

Another accused, Amit Kumar alias Bachcha Rai, the mastermind behind the Class 12 board merit list scam in Bihar, is also in jail.

They were arrested for the alleged irregularities in the results in the Class 12 examinations for the arts and science stream this year.