The CBI is likely to register cases against senior officials of certain state government-run Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) as part of its probe into the Coalgate scam. The agency, sources said, is expected to register two fresh FIRs against officials of the state government-run PSUs by the end of July.
Sources said, “The CBI is preparing to seek permission against the state government officials from the respective state governments in this connection”. According to sources the state government PSUs who were allocated blocks include Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, West Bengal Mineral Development Trading Corp., Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corp. and Maharshtra State Mining Corp.
Sources further said at least 70 captive coal blocks were allocated to Central and state PSUs between 1993 and 2009. “The CBI sleuths have scrutinised documents of at least 49 coal blocks allocated to state government-run PSUs. Now the agency is preparing to initiate probe against senior officials of at least two PSUs,” sources said.
The CBI in September, 2012 had registered its third Preliminary Enquiry to probe alleged irregularities in the allocation of captive coal blocks to Central and state government PSUs during 1993 to 2009. The agency has so far registered at least 13 FIRs related to the Coalgate scam.
“Investigations have revealed that irregularities were allegedly committed in the allocations of three captive coal blocks of North Dhadu in Jharkhand and Madanpur-South in Chattisgarh. The agency has already scrutinised documents submitted by these companies at the time of filing applications for the coal blocks,” sources said. The agency sleuths are also investigating the role certain officials of the coal ministry and steel ministry in this regard, they added.
The allocation of coal blocks to private companies for captive use started in 1993 when Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, was amended with the objective of attracting private investments.