Probe begins into coal blocks given by NDA govt

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started investigation into alleged irregularities in coal block allocations between 1993 and 2004, which includes six years of NDA regime.

“The CBI has registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) on CVC reference to probe into alleged irregularities in coal block allocation from 1993-2004. The PE is against unknown public servants and some private companies,” said Dharini Mishra, CBI spokesperson.

The CBI said the PE is registered after Central Vigilance Commission referred the complaints from coal minister Prakash Jaiswal and seven Congress MPs seeking CBI probe in allocation of coal blocks during NDA rule as well.

Alongwith complaint, the CVC has also forwarded a list of 24 beneficiaries companies, some of which have got captive coal blocks as part of joint ventures with state government during the NDA tenure.

The sources said the agency would now approach coal  ministry and state governments seeking records related to allocation of coal blocks to these companies.