The CBI is likely to register cases against senior officials of the Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh governments as part of its probe into the Coalgate scam.
Sources said the decision to register cases against state government officials has been taken following the recent ruling of the Supreme Court. The top court, during a hearing in the case on August 7, said: “There is no justification for the government’s sanction in court-monitored cases.” Therefore, there is no need to seek sanction against the suspected officials from the concerned state governments, they added.
“At least 70 captive coal blocks were allocated to Central and state public sector units (PSUs) between 1993 and 2009. The CBI sleuths have scrutinised documents of at least 25 coal blocks allocated to state government-run PSUs. Now the agency is preparing to initiate probe against senior officials of at least two state government-run PSUs,” sources said.
The CBI in September 2012 had registered its third preliminary enquiry (PE) 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.
The court would next hear the case August 29. The top court has also asked the CBI to file three status reports on coal blocks allocation by August 27. “Before filing status report in the SC, the CBI is likely to register cases against certain state government officials,” sources said.
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 Chhattisgarh, sources said. CBI sleuths are also investigating the role certain officials of the coal and steel ministries.
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 in specified end uses such as power, cement and steel to meet the requirements of the growing economy.