Coal scam: CBI questions Devendra Darda again

CBI today questioned son of Congress MP Vijay Darda, Devendra, for nearly four hours in connection with alleged irregularities in coal mine allocation to JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited.

The agency had yesterday questioned Devendra along with his cousin Rishi, son of Maharashtra minister Rajendra Darda, CBI sources said.

They said Devendra who was a director in the company and also an accused in the case was called again for detailed questioning regarding relation between Lokmat group, owned by Dardas, and the accused company.

The sources said Devendra was asked about information given by them at the time of application and related documents. He was also asked about partnership with Jayaswal brothers who are also accused in the case.

They claimed he was also asked about alleged role of his father in helping the company to get the coal block in Chhattisgarh.

In its FIR against JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited, CBI has named Vijay Darda along with Devendra, and other former and present directors including Rajendra, Manoj Jayaswal, Anand Jayaswal and Abhishek Jayaswal.

CBI has booked Devendra Darda in another case which relates to alleged irregularities on the part of AMR Iron and Steel which got Bander Coal Block in Maharashtra.

In its FIR in the case, CBI alleged JLD Yavatmal, in order to embellish its claim for the coal block, had fraudulently claimed in the application form that it has been jointly promoted, controlled and managed by Lokmat group and IDFC Limited and claimed the net worth of Rs 2544.19 crore of IDFC and Rs 73.38 crore of Darda owned Lokmat group in its support.

The company would not have qualified for coal but for this, CBI alleged.