Coal scam: Patnaik, PMO officers under CBI scanner | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Coal scam: Patnaik, PMO officers under CBI scanner

Hindustan Times | ByAbhishek Sharan, New Delhi
Oct 18, 2013 10:33 AM IST

The CBI is likely to seek clarifications from Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and certain officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for alleged irregularities in the allocation of the Talabira-II coal blocks to a private firm Hindalco in 2005.Plea against PM in coal block allocation case

The CBI is likely to seek clarifications from Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and certain officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for alleged irregularities in the allocation of the Talabira-II coal blocks to a private firm Hindalco in 2005.

HT Image
HT Image

Patnaik allegedly wrote a letter recommending the allocation of the coal blocks to the firm — a group company of the Aditya Birla group — to the PMO after the inter-ministerial screening committee had allocated them to the state-owned Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) in May 2005, said a CBI official. On Thursday, Patnaik explained his letter to the power requirements of the company’s aluminium smelter plant in Sambalpur district.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Asked about Patnaik’s recommendation and the role of PMO officials, CBI director Ranjit Sinha told HT, “The recommendation letter is part of the probe. We will probe anybody if required.”

“There is evidence that Parakh overturned the panel’s decision. He would get a chance to explain if he had a valid reason for his action which was then being opposed by others.”

Sinha, however, emphasised that the agency only wanted to find the truth. “If we find there is no evidence against the accused in this case, we will not hesitate to inform the Supreme Court and file a closure report.”

The CBI director’s promise for fair play came on a day lawyer ML Sharma moved the SC to seek directions to get the CBI to name Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in its FIR.

“Patnaik sent his recommendation to the PMO before Birla met Parakh in July 2005 to request for the coal blocks’ allocation to his firm,” said the official. “We are scrutinising Patnaik’s letter and will seek his clarifications when required,” he said.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On