CBI begins enquiries into missing coal block allocation files

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday registered two preliminary enquiries (PEs) on missing coal block allocation files. The PEs will look into the allocations that happened during 1993-2005 and 2006-2009. This move will help the CBI file chargesheets in some of the coal cases.

The coal ministry has told the investigating agency that around 15 files are untraceable. Some of the files relate to coal block allocations by the 26th screening committee, it is learnt.

The CBI, on the basis of the findings of the preliminary enquiry, will file a First Information Report (FIR). The agency needs an FIR to conduct raids on the ministry’s premises.

In its first letter sent on September 16, the coal ministry did not convey its intentions of registering any complaint. It was after a meeting with CBI officials that the ministry sent a fresh letter to the agency to formally become a complainant in this case.

The agency needs access to these files to substantiate some of the coal cases.

Earlier, CBI director Ranjit Sinha earlier stated that it would not be possible to file chargesheets in certain coal cases if the “missing files” were not found.

The Supreme Court had on 29 August directed the CBI to furnish a comprehensive list of documents, which are yet to be received from the government.

The apex court had asked the government to make the documents available in two weeks.

Through Attorney General (AG) Goolam E Vahanvati, the CBI had provided a fresh list of documents to the ministry, containing outstanding papers yet to be furnished for the probe.