The CBI is all set to register three fresh FIRs in the coalgate scam next week.
The Central agency has so far registered total nine cases in connection with its ongoing probe into the scam.
According to sources, the agency may book at least two former members of the screening committee and some state government officials this time. The fresh FIRs are likely to be registered in connection with agency probe related to alleged irregularities in the allocation of captive coal blocks between 2006 and 2009, sources added.
“Probe by the agency has revealed that allocations of coal blocks were allegedly recommended to certain dummy companies by some members of the screening committee. The screening committee recommends allocation of coal blocks. Probe has revealed that in Jharkhand some companies were created a few days before the allocations were made to them in the state. The agency is also examining role of state government officials in this connection,” sources said. The screening committee is chaired by the secretary, coal ministry.
It includes the secretaries of nine ministries having interests in coal, besides heads of various public
sector units (PSUs) and chief secretaries of coal-supplying states are also part of it.
Sources further said, “The agency is also scrutinising details of those companies who were allocated coal blocks a few days after their creation”.
Role of certain former members of the screening committee is also under the scanner in connection with agency’s probe related to coal block allocation to a Delhi-based company, sources said, adding that the company was allocated Fatehpur East coal block in Chhattisgarh.
Probe by the agency revealed that Delhi-based company had allegedly fraudulently claimed `4,600 crores as its net worth, though it was barely `2 lakh actually, to get allocation coal block in Chhattisgarh, sources said.
“Role of some officials of the coal ministry is also being probed by the CBI in connection with the scam. The CBI has already examined secretaries and joint secretary in the coal ministry,” sources said.