A fresh controversy erupted on Friday with reports emanating that CBI director Ranjit Sinha had a series of meetings with PMO officials and the Attorney-General in the last four days.
The CBI is to submit a fresh affidavit on the Coalgate scam probe to the Supreme Court on Monday in which the agency is expected to reveal the names of officials in the law and other ministries and the PMO who allegedly had roles in the Coalgate scam.
When contacted, Mr Sinha admitted meeting the PMO officials and A-G but refused to divulge the details. “Yes, I met PMO officials, the attorney-general and officials of other Central ministries. We meet regularly,” the CBI chief said, adding, “Is it a crime to meet PMO, A-G and officials of Central ministries? I cannot explain the details of each and every meeting.”
PMO sources claimed the meetings had “nothing to do with the Coalgate scam”. Sources, however, revealed that with the Supreme Court taking over the matter, the government was concerned about the observations the court is likely to make on May 8.