CBI files fresh FIR's into coal scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the coal block allocation scam, on Wednesday filed fresh cases against two companies - Castron Technologies Ltd and BLA Industries Pvt Ltd- for alleged irregularities and cheating.

The cases contain the names of public and private officers, including the managing director of BLA Industries.

The CBI also conducted raids at different places including Delhi, Dhanbad, Bhopal and Kolkata.

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal, however, denied any knowledge about new cases being registered in connection with the coal scam.

"I have no knowledge about the FIR's. If there is any FIR's registered in the coal scam case, then there will be a proper inquiry. It doesn't matter if it was awarded during the NDA or the UPA governments' tenure," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said, "Coal scam is the worst scam India has ever seen. Now the latest FIR's also vindicate our stand that there were massive corruption and quid pro quo arrangements involved."

"There is a case of favoritism. We want the Prime Minister to take responsibility for the scam as he was in-charge of the Coal Ministry," he added.

According to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), an estimated loss of Rs 1.86 lakh crores was caused to the national exchequer in the coal block allocation scam.