The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has forwarded to the CBI a complaint pertaining to alleged irregularities in the use of coal blocks by private companies. The move comes days after Team Anna raised a finger at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking independent probe into the allocation of coal blocks.
“The CVC has sent us a complaint which is under verification,” said a CBI officer. While the identity of the complainant has not been made public, it is learnt that a similar complaint was filed about two years ago by BJP MP Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
“I had in 2010 lodged a complaint with the CVC and the Comptroller and Auditor General highlighting irregularities in allocation of coal blocks. In some cases, allocations were made to non-existent companies and in certain instances, the coal blocks were not opened by the companies during the stipulated time but their bank guaranties were not forfeited as per rules. I have been pursuing the matter since 2006,” said Mr. Ahir over the phone.
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For its part, Team Anna has alleged that a major coal block allocation scam had taken place allowing private companies to make windfall gains. The allegation has been made based on a “leaked” draft CAG report on allocations between 2004 and 2009 when the Coal Ministry was with the Prime Minister.