PMO shouldn't hamper CBI probe into coal block allocation

With the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) rejecting charges of criminality in the coal block allocation to Hindalco, CPI today demanded this top office "should not hamper" CBI's probe into the coal scam.

"Law must take its course. The PMO should not hamper CBI's investigations (into the coal scam case). CBI must pursue its investigation without being influenced or pressured by anybody," party National Secretary D Raja said here.

His statement came as the PMO rejected any criminality in the controversial allocation of coal block to Hindalco, saying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had approved it on the basis of "merits" of the case placed before him.

"Some evidence must be available in the scam. Otherwise, why would CBI lodge an FIR against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and the former Coal Secretary? It is for the courts to judge whether the evidence is dependable," he said, adding a Secretary to the government is an accused in the case and he "accuses the Prime Minister himself."

"All this clearly shows that there is a nexus between corporate houses, bureaucrats and a section of politicians who are in power. This nexus has been thoroughly exposed now," the CPI leader said.