CVC refers coal blocks case to CBI
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has referred to the CBI the case of alleged irregularities in utilisation of coal blocks by a few private companies. The case has been referred to the CBI for a preliminary enquiry (PE), sources said.
They said that CBI officials held a meeting on Thursday in which the issue was discussed at length. The agency officials discussed all aspects of the reference received from the CVC and also which branch should handle the probe.
“It is believed that the specialised branch of the agency will probe the case. Final decision will be taken in a day or two. The agency officials will also consult officials of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in this regard,” a source said.
Immediately after registering a PE into the matter, the agency officials will also seek certain clarifications from the concerned ministry. “The agency officials will probe the role certain government officials also in this regard,” the source said.
“Without registering a regular case, the agency does not have power to call anybody to the CBI headquarters for recording the statement. If the agency decides to convert the PE into a regular case, then only CBI can send summons to the people. The agency will complete its probe under the PE by August 15.”
The source further said, “If required, the agency officials will also examine auction process (2006-09) of coal blocks in the country.”
BJP leader Prakash Javdekar has also made a complaint to the Central Vigilance Commission seeking a probe in the alleged irregularities in the utilisation of coal blocks by these companies. When contacted, Mr Javadekar said “we have made a formal complaint to CVC because there were so may glaring lacunae which needed to be probed. If the inquiry has been ordered, it's good.”
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