Coal scam: CBI registers case against Jindal Steel & Power

A case of alleged cheating and corruption has been registered by CBI against Jindal Steel and Power company relating to the probe into coal blocks allocated during 1993-2005 period.
CBI spokesperson said here today that it is the 36th FIR in connection with its probe in the coal allocation scam.
The fresh case has been registered against Jindal Stripes Limited (now known as Jindal Steel and Power Limited) and unknown public officials for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating under the Indian Penal Code and Provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, CBI sources said.
Soon after registering the case, the agency today carried out searches at four locations in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, they said.

CBI sources said the case pertains to allocation of Gare Palma IV/1 coal block Jindal Strips Limited and JSPL.
CBI spokesperson said the instant case is the outcome of PE registered on September 26, 2012 looking into allocations of coal blocks during the period 1993-2005.

"It was alleged that 'Gare Palma IV/1' coal block was allocated to said private company for their sponge iron plant (SIP).
"It is, inter-alia, alleged that the company proposed & entered into irregular mining lease covering area much beyond the coordinates stipulated by Ministry of Coal, resorted to excess coal mining and irregular regularisation of area beyond coordinates," the official saidd.

The company has also been accused of indulging in "excess coal mining, sale of raw coal, sale of coal fines and middling to other than specified end users, irregular permission for consumption of coal in expansion of kilns and other related allegations," the official said.
The company spokesperson said JSPL reiterates that all its actions are in keeping with the legal framework of the country and that it complies with the law in letter & in spirit.
"JSPL continues to cooperate with all the authorities in a responsive manner," the spokesperson said.
The company is already facing CBI probe for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts in bagging the Amarkonda Murgadangal block in Birbhum district of Jharkhand in 2008.

Company Chairman and former Congress MP Naveen Jindal has been questioned by CBI over Amarkonda Murgadangal block allocation.