CBI to file case on PSU officials

CBI is preparing to register a fresh case against senior officials of the state- run Public Sector Units ( PSUs) of Jharkhand as part of its probe into the Coalgate scam. Role of two senior officials of a West Bengalbased PSU is also under the scanner of the agency.

Sources said, “The CBI has scrutinised documents related to the allocation of coal blocks made in July, 2007 in the state. Total three state government owned entities were allocated coal blocks in Jharkhand in July, 2007. These included: Jharkhand State Electricity Board, Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation and Bihar Rajya Khanij Vikas Nigam”. Initial investigations by the agency has revealed that irregularities were allegedly committed in the allocation South Karanpura block ( Jharkhand) to a PSU, sources said adding that the agency is now planning to register a fresh case to probe the irregularities.

“Coal blocks which were allocated to state government owned entities in Jharkhand were located in Rajmahal, South Karanpura and West Bokaro. Majority of the Jharkhand- based coal blocks were allocated to private as well as state- run PSUs, on the recommendation of the state government during the tenure of former state CM Madhu Koda”, sources said. He was the CM from 2006 to 2008. Jharkhand- based coal blocks which were allocated during his tenure are located in: Jharia, Rajmahal, Patratu, Bokaro, NorthSouth Karanpura, Taillaiya, Rohne, Macherkunda and Daltonganj.