The CBI, probing Coalgate scam, is all set to register fresh FIRs against private companies who were allocated 40 coal blocks on January 13, 2006.
According to sources at least three companies, allocated captive coal blocks on January 13, 2006, may be booked by the agency in its fresh FIRs. “Initial probe by the agency has revealed that irregularities were allegedly committee in the allocations of certain captive coal blocks of North Dhadu (Jharkhand), Madanpur-South (Chhattisgarh), Patrapara (Orissa), Dumri (Jharkhand) and Madanpur-North (Chattisgarh),” sources said.
“Probe has revealed that total eight companies were allocated captive coal blocks of Patrapara on January 13, 2006. The agency suspect irregularities in the allotment of this block to at least two companies, which are being further probed.” The agency is analysing documents submitted by these companies at the time of filing applications for the coal blocks, sources added.
Same is the case with Madanpur (south) coal block, sources said, adding that total six companies were allocated this captive block. “It is suspected that irregularities were committed in the allocation of at least two companies,” sources said. The agency is planning to question at least two officials of the coal ministry in this regard, sources added.
Meanwhile, the agency is planning to record statements of representatives of certain private companies under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). “Their statements will be considered as evidence in the court of Law, and this will also be mentioned in the chargesheet,” sources said. Employees of certain private companies, whose applications were not accepted for the allocation of coal blocks, have expressed their willingness to become witness in the case, sources added.
“The agency will first record the statements of accused, booked by the CBI in its five FIRs registered on September 4. The agency has named 20 directors of the private companies and unknown government officials in its FIRs filed in connection with the scam,” sources said.