CBI case against Lalu Prasad confidante in coal block allocation

NEW DELHI: Turning up the heat in the coal scam, the Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) has decided to lodge a case against former Corporate Affairs Minister in the UPA-1 government and RJD leader, Prem Chand Gupta. CBI Director Ranjit Sinha has approved filing of the case and an FIR will be lodged within the next 1-2 days. This is one of the preliminary enquiries that were earlier closed by the CBI but the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) recently asked CBI to convert 14 such PEs into FIRs.

“CBI is complying with the CVC’s directions,” a CBI official said. Gupta and his son, Gaurav Gupta are expected to be named accused by the CBI in the proposed FIR. The matter relates to alleged irregularities in the allocation of a Maharashtra coal block to IST Steel & Power Limited. PC Gupta has strongly denied involvement. In 2012, he told ET that he had no role in influencing the coal allocation process and said he had no stake or position in the IST group. His son, Gaurav Gupta owns IST Steel & Power, an associate company of IST Group.