Coal block allocation: Three mining, steel firms shortlisted
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing the alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks has shortlisted at least three mining and steel companies in this regard.
According to sources in the CBI, these companies were allocated coal blocks allegedly in violation of rules; the agency is likely to seek clarification from them in the matter.
Officials from country’s premiere investigating agency visited Coal Ministry offices and collected files related to two steel companies and a power company—the alleged beneficiaries of coal blocks allocated during 2006-09—CBI sources said. Sources in the agency further informed that after scrutinising the documents received from the Coal Ministry, Power Ministry and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, the agency has found irregularities in the way coal blocks were allocated to certain ineligible companies.
However, the CBI sources said that since investigation in the matter is at a preliminary stage, the agency would only seek their point of view on the issues in an informal manner.
The central probe agency registered two preliminary enquiries in connection with the case referred to it by the Central Vigilance Commission.
