Anil Ambani’s group threatens to sue DGH Sibal over threat claims

A file photo of Mr. Anil Ambani.

Anil Ambani group today threatened to initiate criminal proceedings against oil and gas sector regulator V K Sibal for proclaiming a threat to his life from the conglomerate, while calling the allegations absurd.

But Sibal refused to comment on the industrial house’s warning, saying he had already informed the government about the “witch-hunt” launched by Anil’s group.

“DGH’s allegations against ADA Group are irresponsible, absurd and baseless,” RNRL wrote to Home Ministry today, reacting to Sibal’s letter to the government on Tuesday seeking protection. The DGH had said he feared a threat to his life and his family members from the industrial house.

Reliance ADA Group challenged Sibal to bring on record anything to support his “wild allegations,” while adding that it would file criminal proceedings against DGH.

When contacted, Anil Ambani group firm RNRL spokesperson confirmed writing a letter to the government in relation to Sibal’s communication.

Sibal’s letter to the home and petroleum ministries on Tuesday coincided with ADAG moving Supreme Court alleging a nexus between him and RIL. ADAG has alleged that the nexus influenced Sibal to approve the increased capital expenditure in the Mukesh-led firm’s KG-D6 gas fields.

RNRL, in its letter to the Ministry today, sought a full probe into DGH’s approval for RIL’s capex of over Rs 40,000 crore. It also claimed that the DGH’s sole intent was to divert media attention from “his partisan act towards RIL.”

In his letter on Tuesday, Sibal said: “Although the matter is under the examination of the concerned agencies, the ADAG has considered it fit to file a petition in the Supreme Court wihtout waiting for the outcome of the investigation being carried out by the CVC.

“This betrays a lack of trust and confidence in the government machinery” and agenices that represent it.

He was referring to RNRL’s petition in the apex court seeking action against the DGH for alleged nexus between Sibal and RIL. The Central Vigilance Commission has separately asked the CBI to look into the alleged collusion.

Sources close to DGH said certain people were “blackmailing” CVC into bending their own guidelines. CVC guidelines state that “to avoid unnecessary harassment to the officials, against whom frivolous complaints are received at the time of their promotion/selection the Commission has decided that no cognisance should be taken of any complaint which is received six months prior to the initiation of selection process for senior posts.”

They said complaints against Sibal were examined by Chief Vigilance Officer suggested by CVC and upon who clearance the Oil Ministry recommended a two-year extension to Sibal.

The latest complaints fall under the six month period.