Coalmin to look into issue of missing files sought by CBI

They said that they will ascertain whether any crucial files pertaining to mines allocation was missing

Amid CBI expressing concern over delays in handing over crucial files pertaining to mines allocation, Coal Ministry today said it will ascertain whether any such file was missing or not made available to the investigating agency.

 

"I will talk to Secretary Coal (S K Srivastava) whether there are such files which have not been made available (to CBI) or are not traceable with us," Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal told reporters.

 

Stressing that whatever documents were available with the Ministry were handed over to CBI, Jaiswal said, he will look into the issue again after he learnt from newspaper reports that CBI was claiming that at least five such crucial files were not given to them.

 

CBI yesterday said at least five crucial files related to allotment of coal blocks during 2006-09 have not been received by it despite providing specific details and that the agency has again communicated to the Coal Ministry to make them available as soon as possible.

 

Jaiswal said the Ministry was serious on the issue and has already set up a separate cell, headed by a Joint Secretary rank official, to look into the requirements of the CBI.

 

"The department is providing all files and documents to the CBI which is available with the Coal Ministry," he said.

 

Last month, the Coal Ministry had constituted an Inter-ministerial panel to look into the issue of missing files. The panel has so far held one meeting.

 

CBI has so far registered 13 cases related to block allotments during 2006-09 for alleged misrepresentation of facts by the beneficiaries while applying for the blocks.

 

As per sources, CBI is planning to register more cases in connection with its preliminary enquiry which relates to alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks during the period.

 

The Ministry also recently informed a Parliamentary committee that it is trying to locate lost and missing files on coal block allocation in the wake of Supreme Court saying the Centre for not aiding CBI with documents in its probe.

 

The sources said CBI has received a letter from Coal Secretary S K Srivastava addressed to its Director seeking details of the files which it requires for its probe.

 

In its status report filed on March 8 before the Supreme Court, the CBI had said the coal blocks allocation during 2006-09 was done without verifying the credentials of companies which allegedly misrepresented facts about themselves and no rationale was given by the Coal Ministry in giving coal blocks to them.