The Central Bureau of Investigation, probing Coalgate scam, has now started scrutinising letters written by certain state governments, including the BJP-led Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, to the coal ministry opposing the process of competitive bidding of coal blocks in 2005. Sources in the agency said the CBI may register multiple FIRs in the Coalgate scam.
According to sources the agency is also planning to prepare a list of those private persons who were allocated coal blocks on the recommendations of the state governments between 2006 and 2009. “The agency is also analysing the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)’s report on coal block allocations, tabled in Parliament on August 17,” sources said.
Initial probe by the agency has revealed that maximum number of coal blocks were allocated between 2005 and 2009. “While in 2005 around 24 coal blocks were allocated by the ministry, in 2006 total 53 blocks were given. Besides, 52 in 2007, 24 in 2008 and 16 in 2009 were allocated,” sources said. The CBI is probing alleged irregularities in allotment of coal blocks to both private players and public sector enterprises between 2006 and 2009.
“There are allegations that some coal blocks which were given have not started functioning in certain states. The CBI has decided to seek a detailed report from the coal ministry in this regard. The ministry must have prepared a list of those coal blocks which have not started functioning,” sources said.
The CBI, which was expected to complete its probe by the end of August, is likely to take some more time.
The agency had on June 1 registered a “preliminary enquiry” (PE) to probe irregularities in the allotment of coal blocks and was required to complete wrap up its investigations within three months as per the norms, sources added. The PE was lodged on the basis of a complaint forwarded by the Central Vigilance Commission.
The agency recently examined members of the then screening committee, including officials of the levels of secretary and joint-secretary with the Central coal ministry, which was part of the allocation process.