Missing coal files hampering probe: CBI

CBI is likely to inform the Supreme Court that missing of files related to coal block allocation scam is hampering its probe in the case.
Top agency sources said number of files related to the 1993-2004 period are missing which is adversely affecting its probe and it needs to the communicated to the apex court which is keeping a tab on the progress of the case.
They said although the agency has gathered almost all the files related to its 13 FIRs filed in connection with the probe of alleged irregularities in the coal blocks allocated during 2006-09, its probe into pre-2004 period is getting affected.

The CBI has registered three preliminary enquiries in connection with coal scam -- related to allocation between 2006-09, between 1993 and 2004 and those done to joint ventures.
It has also registered 13 FIRs related to allocations done between 2006 and 2009.
The agency has been directed by the apex court to file a fresh status report by August 29.

On August 6, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to provide "full cooperation" to CBI in its probe in coal block allocations scam by providing it with all necessary information
and files without any delay.
"As regards ongoing investigation by CBI, we have made it clear that all necessary information as required by CBI and all necessary files that may be needed for inquiry/ investigation has to be provided by all concerned," a bench headed by Justice R M Lodha had said.

It asked the authority concerned to provide "full cooperation" to the agency and "all files sought by it must have to be supplied at the earliest without any delay".