Missing files put Coalgate scam probe in limbo

NEW DELHI: The CBI's probe into the Coalgate scam has hit a roadblock as many files missing from the coal ministry pertain to regular cases and preliminary enquiries filed by the agency.


Highly placed sources said among the important files missing were those related to screening committee meetings, recommendations of states and PSUs/companies' presentations, which were required to establish irregularities in allocation of coal blocks to private companies as well as joint ventures with government entities.

In a case related to allotments done between 2006 and 2009, the CBI fears that the probe might be halted as some recommendations made by Congress MP Vijay Darda and forwarded by PMO for Bander coal block were missing.

CBI officials said they would inform the Supreme Court about the missing files in their next status report. In fact, the agency is likely to request the government to retrieve all the files from other records. The government on Saturday admitted that some files related to coal block allocations were missing.

CBI has registered 13 cases against several private companies for alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks between 2006 and 2009 and three preliminary enquiries are under probe as well.

Sources said files related to allocation of around 45 coal blocks from 1993 to 2004 had gone missing apart from applications from 157 private companies, which had not got coal blocks. While government is making efforts to trace these files from all ministries and departments involved in coal block allocations and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, CBI sources said the agency won't be able to reach any conclusion in its preliminary enquiries if the files are not traced.

CBI had taken some records in connection with the 24 companies and public officials in the alleged irregularities between 1993 and 2004 but some records were not provided by coal ministry. Now, missing files also raises suspicion on whether there is any conspiracy on files going missing.

"These files were important to establish as to what system state governments and ministries adopted to ensure transparent allocation and that eligible companies are ignored," said a CBI officer.