CBI called in TKA Nair for clarifications

Quizzed in connection with the coal block allocations when Dr Manmohan Singh had an additional charge of the coal ministry

Central bureau of investigation it is learnt called TK A Nair, advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for questioning in connection with the coal block allocation scam twice in June. Nair was quizzed in connection with the coal block allocations when Singh had an additional charge of the coal ministry as well between 2006 and 2009.

CBI it is learnt had called Nair to seek clarifications with respect to the written responses he gave to a questionnaire by CBI team investigating the coal scam earlier this year. The agency questioned Nair in connection to the Talabira II coal block allocation to Hindalco for which there is also an FIR against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and former coal secretary P C Parakh. The agency could call Nair if it needs any further clarifications.

CBI in its FIR had mentioned that the final approval for allocation had come from the "competent authority" bringing the PMO under scanner. The PMO then issued a statement where Singh took full responsibility for the allocation saying it was done following all procedures.

CBI has not ruled out the possibility of questioning Singh if the need arises. "We will question anyone who is relevant to the case. As of now there is no such requirement since we have quizzed PMO officials," senior CBI official said.

Besides Nair, CBI had also quizzed two joint secretaries of the PMO - Vini Mahajan and Ashish Gupta in connection with the coal scam for allocations during the tenure of Singh.

Mahajan, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Punjab cadre, was a Director with the PMO during the period and has now been repatriated to the state where she is Principal Secretary level officer. Mr Gupta, an IPS-officer of 1989-batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre, who was the vigilance officer in the PMO, has also gone back to his parent cadre.