CBI may file case against former DGH

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to register a case against former Director General of Hydrocarbons VK Sibal for allegedly favouring a US firm in carrying out speculative seismic exploration during his tenure.

CBI sources claimed it has found sufficient evidence against Sibal in alleged discrepancies in carrying out the work and favouring leading private players and foreign consultants involved in oil and gas field explorations.

The agency has registered Preliminary Enquiries on November 26, 2009 to investigate different charges against Sibal.

DGH, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is mandated to carry out speculative geophysical survey with any company to upgrade the available data on hydrocarbons potential in the country, with the purpose of attracting domestic and international firms to explore and develop oil and gas fields.

The CBI had sought statements from Sibal and carried out a probe in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas as well. The sources claimed even some of the documents pertaining to the award of contract to the US firm were missing initially but were traced after a prolonged probe.

"We have found a number of irregularities allegedly done at the behest of Sibal during his tenure. We are verifying the documents and considering to register a case," a CBI official said.

Sibal was the DGH between 2004 and 2009.

Central Vigilance Commission has also found alleged discrepancies in different works carried out by Sibal who was the Director General and recommended CBI probe.