CBI registers 13th FIR in coal scam

NEW DELHI: CBI has registered a fresh case in connection with its coal blocks allocation probe against a Delhi-based steel company and carried out searches at its premises in the National Capital Region.

CBI sources said a case has been lodged against Rathi Steel and Power Limited, its Director Udit Rathi and unknown others for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts while applying for a coal block.

The sources said the company earlier known as Rathi Udyog Limited was allocated Kesla North coal block in Korba, Chhattisgarh for its sponge iron plant on August 5, 2008.

They said the company has allegedly misrepresented facts while applying for the coal block.

This is the 13th FIR in connection with the coal blocks allocation scam probe.

Soon after registering the FIR, CBI teams carried out searches at various residential and official premises of the company in Delhi and Ghaziabad.

CBI is probing alleged irregularities in the allocation of 192 coal blocks which were made between 1993 to 2011. The agency has registered three preliminary enquiries in this connection-- related to allocation between 2006-09, allocation between 1993 to 2004 and allocations given to joint ventures.

So far, the agency has registered FIRs arising out of its preliminary enquiry covering allocation between 2006-09.