CBI finds no irregularity in some coal allocations

The CBI has not found any criminality in the allocation of several coal blocks during 1993-2009 and is likely to request the Supreme Court to close the inquiry in the cases.

The CBI has not found any criminality in the allocation of several coal blocks during 1993-2009 and is likely to request the Supreme Court to close the inquiry in the cases.

The agency is examining the allocation of 195 blocks done between 2006 and 2009, 1993 and 2004, and under the government dispensation scheme. So far, irregularities have been found in 14 allocations, for which FIRs have been filed.

“But during our preliminary inquiry, we found that a number of coal blocks were allocated as per norm and there was no irregularity involved,” said a CBI official on condition of anonymity.

The next hearing in the coal scam case, which is being investigated by the CBI and monitored by the SC, is on November 26.

In the backdrop of the government’s stand that no further powers can be given to it, the agency is also set to submit an affidavit on its proposed autonomy.

Recently, the Centre has rejected the agency’s demand that its director be provided powers equivalent to a secretary of the Government of India.