CVC tells CBI: Probe states’ role
The Central Vigilance Commission has asked the CBI to investigate in detail the role of various state governments, particularly the coal rich states, in the coalgate scam. Most of the coal blocks that have been allocated are located in these states. This could spell fresh trouble as most of these states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa are ruled by non-Congress governments.
Highly placed sources said the issue came up for discussion during various meetings that the anti-corruption watchdog had with top CBI officials in the run up to referring all coal block allocations since 1993 to the investigating agency. The CBI has already registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into this and initiated the probe.
The CVC, sources added, was of the view that the entire investigation was being focused on the role of the screening committee, the coal ministry as well as the private companies. However, the role of the various state governments was still not under the scanner.
There is a growing view within the CVC that the coal rich state governments are as much at fault as the Centre as the screening committee could not have allocated the coal block without a favourable or strong recommendation from the state government.
Further, sources said, the CVC also wants to know that exactly in what context states like West Bengal and Rajasthan had opposed bidding through the auction route. “Prime facie if one looks at the case there is strong suspicion against the States also. So there needs to be greater clarity on the role of the state government and we have asked the CBI for the same,” a senior Vigilance Commission official said.
The CVC is closely monitoring the CBI’s investigations into the coalgate scam as the case had been referred by the Vigilance Commission only.
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