CVC flouting norms in probe against me: Sibal

Director General of Hydrocarbons V K Sibal has accused the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) of flouting norms by not concluding probe into two-year-old allegations of receiving favours from Reliance Industries (RIL) in time and reviving the same now to deny him an extension of service.

Allegations of Sibal receiving favours including a Rs 3 crore flat in Mumbai for approving an increase in capital expenditure for RIL’s gas field were first levied in August 2007 but the CVC did not conclude the probe into them in time and it is now reopening them just when his extension is due in violation of set norms, he wrote to the government.

Anil Ambani Group firm RNRL, which is fighting a legal battle to secure natural gas supplies from RIL at price committed in a 2005 family agreement, had alleged unjustified increase in KG-D6 gas field capital expenditure and sought CVC probe into role of Sibal.

In a letter to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora, Sibal asked why the then Chief Vigilance Officer Arvind Jadav (now the Chairman Air India), who was referred the allegations for probe, has not been held responsible for not taking action or for the delay in investigation.

CVC guidelines clearly state that no complaint will be entertained in the six months prior to consideration to extension of service or an appointment to avoid rivals making wild allegations.