Missing coal scam files hurting investigation
CBI ’s coal block allocation scam-probe is getting hampered in at least six of its cases filed against private firms for alleged irregularities since 12-odd files are still missing.
CBI ’s coal block allocation scam-probe is getting hampered in at least six of its cases filed against private firms for alleged irregularities since 12-odd files are still missing.
CBI, which has so far lodged 13 cases as part of its probe, has included the list of these 12-odd files in its final, reconciled list on missing files that was send to the coal secretary SK Srivasatava via the attorney general on Monday. “The files pertaining to around six cases being investigated by us are key to establishing the alleged irregularities including misrepresentation of facts, thereby hampering our probe. The agency has given a 15-day deadline to the coal ministry to hand over the outstanding files,” said a CBI source.
Among the 12-odd missing files are “record of recommendation letters issued by Congress’s Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda for allocation of Bander coal block in Maharashtra to AMR Iron and Steel Private Limited,” said the source.
Among the missing files are the “scrutiny report on the financial strength” of applicant companies prepared by Coal India Limited as mentioned in the minutes of the 35th screening committee with regard to applicants “JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited and Green Infrastructure Limited”, and the “feedback form” and “presentation” submitted by Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Limited to the 36thscreening committee.
Documents including the application form, the processing of its application form, and an agenda form of Jharkhand Ispat Private Limited are missing too, along with applicant Rathi Steel and Power Limited’s signed feedback form and presentation document.
Two documents related to Pushp Steel and Mining Private Limited are still pending as per the CBI’s list.