CBI to file FIR against ex-DGH chief VK Sibal

The CBI is likely to file an FIR against VK Sibal, the former of chief of the directorate general of Hydrocarbons (DGH) of the petroleum and natural gas ministry, over allegations that he extended irregular favours to private and public sector explorers in lieu of personal benefits.

The CBI is likely to file an FIR against VK Sibal, the former of chief of the directorate general of Hydrocarbons (DGH) of the petroleum and natural gas ministry, over allegations that he extended irregular favours to private and public sector explorers in lieu of personal benefits.

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The agency, which had lodged three preliminary enquiries in 2009 to investigate allegations against Sibal, examined his role in approving a “four-fold hike — from $2.4 million to 8.8 billion” in the capital expenditure of RIL’s exploration project in the Krishna-Godavari basin’s D6 block.

“Though the private explorer’s work had only expanded two-fold, it sought an approval for a four-fold hike that was inexplicable,” said a CBI source.

The CBI suspects that the expenditure could have been inflated via dubious in-voices and that its approval occurred due to an alleged quid pro quo — allegations that Sibal and RIL have denied.