Coal scam: Quantum of sentence to be pronounced on Apr. 4

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court will pronounce the quantum of sentence to Jharkhand Ispat Pvt. Ltd (JIPL) directors R.S. Rungta and R.C. Rungta on April 4, in a coal scam case pertaining to allotment of coal block.

The case involves the JIPL and its directors who are accused in acquiring the coal block on the basis of false documents.

During hearing on quantum of sentence, the CBI sought maximum punishment for Rungtas.

The investigation agency told the special court that the Rungtas should be given maximum punishment of seven years imprisonment.

It also said that the economy is suffering due to wrongful gains made by the companies and that they do not deserve any leniency.

Defending themselves in the court against the conviction order, R.S. Rungta said that there has been no sectoral loss due to North Dhadu coal block allocation, adding that there has been no allegation of corruption, bribery against the company officials.

He further stated that the company made no undue profits through coal block.

Another convict in the case, R.C. Rungta stated that he had no role to play during the coal block allocation.

The court had on March 21 last year framed charges against them for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating) and 471 (using a forged document as genuine) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).