CBI files chargesheet in coal block allocation scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed a chargesheet against Jindal Steel's advisor Anand Goel, Gurgaon-based Green Infra's vice-president Siddharth Madra, Mumbai-based KE International's Chief Financial Officer Rajeev Aggarwal, Nihar Stocks Limited Director B.S.N. Suryanarayan and Mumbai's Essar Power Limited Executive vice chairman Sushil Kumar Maroo.

The court has hearing the case related to the allocation of Jharkhand's Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block to Jindal Steel and Gagan Sponge.

The CBI has sought more time from the special court to examine evidence in the coal block allocation scam.

More time was also sought by the CBI to examine the evidences and also to seek necessary approvals since another director has assumed charge of the CBI.

The CBI also stated that hard disks and letters were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and opinions of handwriting and computer experts were also being sought.

Earlier, Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar and Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir had filed a plea asking for a re-investigation in the matter.

The plea was filed in response to the closure report sought by the two Union Ministers.

The Supreme Court had earlier asked the duo for their final submission in the case. On not being satisfied with the closure report, the two leaders sought for a re-investigation.

The scam dates back to 1993 when the Centre allocated coal blocks to private companies during 1993-2010.

However, the apex court had in 2014 termed these allocations 'illegal'.

It was on the complaint filed by Javadekar and Ahir in 2012 that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) ordered a CBI probe into the matter.

Earlier in 2014, the apex court set up a special CBI court to try all the cases filed in the coal allocation scam.