CBI looking into allegations against oil regulator

CBI today said it was "looking into" a reference sent by the Central Vigilance Commission for a probe into allegations that oil regulator VK Sibal had received favours from Reliance Industries for approving a near four-fold hike to $8.8 billion in expenditure for gas field.

While Sibal has denied the charges levelled against him, CBI spokesman Harsh Bahal said "a reference has been received from the CVC and CBI will look into it." Asked whether a Preliminary Enquiry or a regular case had been registered, the spokesman said "no more details will be shared at this stage."

CVC Secretary KS Ramasubban on October one wrote to CBI director Ashwani Kumar seeking "a discreet field verification" on the allegations of RIL purchasing flats in Mumbai for Sibal's daughter and incurring expenses over purchase of consumer durable for her.

"The allegations are serious and, if substantiated, they would raise doubts about the integrity and objectivity of Sibal," the CVC letter, copies of which were also marked to cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar, said.

Sibal, who may get a two-year extension beyond October, questioned the move saying as per CVC guidelines no new charges can be entertained against an official six months prior to his or her extension. The allegations, he said, were to "blackmail" CVC into denying him an extension.