CBI files 19th FIR in coal scam

The latest company is Maharashtra-based group, Topworth Urja and Metals Ltd

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday registered another First Information Report (FIR) in the coal block allocation case. This is the 19th FIR in the matter.

The latest case has named a Maharashtra-based group, Topworth Urja and Metals (earlier Shree Virangana Steels), directors, Surendra Lodha and Om Prakash Nevatia, and other unknown persons on charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case is an outcome of the preliminary enquiry to look into allegations of irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks between 1993 and 2005. The company was allotted the Marki Mangli coal blocks 2, 3 and 4 in Maharashtra.

CBI is conducting raids at four places in Nagpur and one each in Yavatmal and Mumbai in connection with the case, according to officials. In the FIR, the agency has alleged the accused "irregularly entered mining lease deeds under the name of Virangana Steels, which did not exist."

CBI has further said the request to change the name of the company to Topworth was not approved by the ministry of coal, on the grounds that there was a change in the shareholding pattern of the company.

CBI has also found during its inquiry that the company resorted to excessive mining, without augmenting the capacity of its existing sponge iron plant, in violation of norms.

The agency has referred preliminary enquiries in around 25 cases to the Central Vigilance Commission, for its view on whether there is evidence of criminality.

CBI told the Supreme Court on Thursday it would not file any closure report in the coalgate scam until it, along with Enforcement Directorate, filed a status report of its probe done till June 30.

The agency filed a closure report of the cases against Vikash Metals, Kamal Sponge and Power, JLD Yavatmal Energy and Jas Infrastructure Capital, for want of substantial evidence.

A senior CBI official said more cases are likely to be closed as investigation reaches advanced stages, while chargesheets would be filed in a few cases.