The CBI, probing coalgate scam, is preparing to register three fresh cases next week in connection with its probe related to alleged irregularities in the allocation of captive coal blocks made between 1993 and 2004.
According to sources, registering fresh cases will be part of agency’s investigations into the preliminary enquiry (PE) registered on September 27. The agency has registered the PE against 24 companies and unknown government officials.
The PE was registered following the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) referred the complaints given by a delegation of seven Congress MPs and coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal seeking CBI probe in the allocation of coal blocks during NDA rule as well.
“The states where coal blocks were allocated between 1993 and 2004 include, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand Chha-ttisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra for setting up power, sponge iron and steel plants. Initial probe by the agency has revealed that irregularities were allegedly committed in the allocations of three coal blocks”, sources said.
The agency is planning to register three fresh FIRs against certain private companies and unknown government officials next week, sources added.
Mr Jaiswal along with seven parliamentarians had sought probe since 1993 and submitted a list of 24 beneficiaries companies, some of which have got captive coal blocks as part of joint ventures with state government. All these 24 companies are under the scanner of the agency, sources said.
“The agency is also scrutinising documents submitted by all 24 companies at the time of filing applications for the coal blocks. If required, the agency may seek certain clarifications from these companies”, sources said.