The Central Bureau of Investigation may examine the former Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan in connection with the probe against unknown officials of the Jindal Steel and Power Limited and JSW Steel Limited for alleged diversion of forest land for mining purposes in Jharkhand.
“Since some of the decisions were taken during her tenure, if necessary, we may approach her for clarifications,” said a CBI official.
The agency last month instituted preliminary enquiries (PEs) against unknown officials of the two companies and the Environment Ministry.
The first PE alleges that unknown Ministry officials extended favours to Jindal Steel by facilitating grant of clearance for diversion of 512-hectare Saranda forest land, which is mainly inhabited by wild elephants, between 2007 and 2013. Through another PE, the CBI has initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the grant of approval to JSW Steel in 2013 for diversion of forest land for mining purposes in Ankua Reserve.
