Coal scam: CBI to file fresh FIRs

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to file a new set of FIRs in coal scam, implicating three companies.

The agency is preparing to register three fresh cases in connection with its probe related to alleged irregularities in the allocation of captive coal blocks between 1993 and 2004.

Around 43 coal blocks were allocated during this period. The probe also includes coal blocks allocated during NDA's tenure at the Centre. In its report, the CAG said the government extended windfall gains of R1.86 lakh crore to private players by distributing coal blocks without bidding.

A preliminary inquiry was registered after the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) referred the complaints submitted by a delegation of seven Congress MPs and coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal to the CBI. The agency is probing the allocation of 195 coal blocks to 289 companies, including PSUs, since 1993.

Till now, the agency has filed FIRs against seven firms for misrepresenting facts and fudging of documents and has registered three preliminary inquiries, including one against the allocation of 72 coal blocks made to 99 PSUs.

The agency is also probing the role of officials of coal, power and steel ministries and retired bureaucrats. It is also expected to summon Congress MP Vijay Darda for interrogation. Darda's company JLD Yavatmal Energy has been booked by the agency for misrepresting facts to get coal blocks allocated. Till now, the agency has filed nine FIRs in the coal scam.

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