CBI case on Jindal firm, some babus

The sleuths afterwards conducted searches at four locations in Raigarh and Chhattisgarh The company spokesperson said JSPL reiterates that all its actions are in keeping with the legal framework

The CBI, probing the coalgate scam, on Sunday registered a fresh case against Jindal Strips Limited and unknown public servants in connection with its investigations into the alleged irregularities related to allocation of Gare Palma IV/ 1 coal block in Chattisgargh.

Sources said a case of alleged cheating and corruption has been registered against Jindal Steel and Power company relating to the probe into coal blocks allocated during 1993- 2005 period.

The CBI has so far registered 36 cases since September 2012 in its probe into alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks between 1993 to 2009.

“Fresh case has been registered against Jindal Strips Limited ( now known as Jindal Steel and Power Limited) and unknown public officials for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating under the Indian Penal Code and Provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act”, sources said.

Immediately after registering the case, the agency sleuths conducted searches at four locations in Raigarh and Chhattisgarh, they added.

Sources said the instant case is the outcome of the preliminary enquiry ( PE) registered on September 26, 2012.

“There are allegations that Gare Palma IV/ 1 coal block was allocated to the accused company for their sponge iron plant ( SIP). It is, inter alia, alleged that the company proposed and entered into irregular mining lease covering areas which were not allocated by ministry of coal. The accused firm resorted to excess mining,” sources said. The firm has also been accused of indulging in “excess coal mining and sale of raw coal”, they added.

The company spokesperson said JSPL reiterates that all its actions are in keeping with the legal framework of the country and that it complies with the law in letter and in spirit. “JSPL continues to cooperate with all the authorities in a responsive manner,” the spokesperson said.

The firm is already facing CBI probe for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts in bagging the Amarkonda Murgadangal block in Birbhum district of Jharkhand in 2008. Company chairman and former Congress MP Naveen Jindal has already been questioned by CBI over Amarkonda Murgadangal block.