Coalgate: 'CBI being pressurized to save PM', alleges BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe of the coal blocks allocation scam, and said that if no action is taken against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it will send out a message that the CBI is not able to work independently

"CBI should be allowed to do its work without interference. But, the thing is, CBI is being pressurized to save the Prime Minister. He should not be spared because, he is directly involved in this scam. And, if the Prime Minister is saved, it gives out a clear message that CBI is not able to work freely and independently," BJP leader Vinay Katiyar said.

The CBI is likely to file a status report on the coal blocks allocation before the Supreme Court today, regarding details of its 14th FIR against Hindalco and others and also progress in the remaining 13 cases.

The investigating agency, had earlier on October 15, filed FIRs against Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and former Union Coal Secretary Prakash Chandra Parakh for alleged irregularities and criminal conspiracy in allocation of two coal blocks in Orissa in 2005.

They said that all accused have been booked for criminal conspiracy.

The case relates to the allotment of the Talabira-II coalfield in Odisha to Hindalco Industries in 2005.

The BJP have repeatedly held Manmohan Singh responsible and have demanded his resignation for an estimated loss of Rs 1.86 lakh crores to the national exchequer by the CAG in connection with the coal block allocation.