The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered yet another case in connection with the coal block scam, this time against a Madhya Pradesh-based company, its directors and members of the 36th Screening Committee, for alleged irregularities in the allocation of Thesgora B/Rudrapuri block in 2008.
“On a recommendation from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), we have registered the 23rd coal block allocations case against Satna-based Revati Cement Private Limited; its directors Umesh Shara, Kailash Shara and Chinmaya Palekar; and members of the 36th Screening Committee who recommended the allocation in favour of the accused company,” said a CBI official.
The CBI, which conducted searches at Satna and Indore, alleged that Revati Cement obtained the coal block despite not meeting the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion eligibility criteria. “It has been alleged that the Screening Committee deliberately did not follow the guidelines and showed undue favour to the company,” the official added.
Pursuant to the Supreme Court directive, the CBI would register 10 more cases on the basis of the CVC recommendations. The agency is conducting investigations into alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks between 1993-2004 and 2006-09.
