CBI registers fresh FIR in coal scam

CBI today registered a fresh case against a Nagpur-based company for allegedly misrepresenting facts in getting a coal block in 2000 as part of the agency's probe in alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks.
This is the 28th FIR with regard to the ongoing CBI probe in the matter.
CBI sources said a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating has been registered against Gondwana Ispat Limited and its promoter and director Ashok Daga regarding alleged misrepresentation of facts.
The sources said the case related to allocation of Majra coal block in 2003 for their sponge iron plant in Maharashtra.

"It has been alleged that then Director of said private company had requested Ministry of Coal in April, 2000 for allocation of coal block whereas the Company was incorporated only in October, 2001," CBI spokesperson said here.
The official said Coal Ministry allocated 'Majra' coal block in the year 2003 on the assurance of the company that it shall install the plant and develop a coal mine.

She said it was also assured that the entire coal mined from the said coal block shall be consumed in the proposed sponge iron plant at Warora, Chandrapur (Maharashtra).
"Despite affidavit filed to that extent by the said Promoter and Director, he had allegedly disposed the equity of the company without any intimation or permission from the Ministry of Coal and entered into an agreement with purchasers without installing the plant and developing the coal mine.

"The accused allegedly also received payment of Rs.1.55 crore from the buyers as one time payment," CBI said in a statement.
The agency had registered a total of three preliminary enquiries related to coal scam allocations between 2006 and 2009, allocations between 1993 and 2004, and projects given under the government dispensation scheme.