The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started looking into the allocation process of 64 coal blocks given to ‘private companies’ between 2004 and 2009. The companies that bagged these blocks are spread across power, sponge iron, steel and cement sectors. Nearly 153 blocks were allocated in this period to both private and Government companies.

The CBI is understood to be reviewing the 64 blocks and their allotment procedures individually. Thereafter, the investigative agency will decide if an FIR needs to be lodged.

“At this moment, this cannot be called a ‘probe’ as no FIR has been registered. The scope of the preliminary investigation is to find out if any fake company has been allotted blocks and whether the allocation has been according to Government norms notified in those years,” a Coal Ministry official said.

If CBI finds evidence that fake companies have been allotted blocks through inappropriate procedures, it will register an FIR, the official added. The investigative agency has already asked for documents from the nodal Ministry and has held ‘discussions’ with a few officials.

“CBI has not met the Coal Minister, Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal. The actual probe would start only after an FIR is lodged. Till that time, CBI cannot search any premises, arrest any company or Government official and quiz anyone,” the official added. Nearly 153 coal blocks were awarded between 2004 and 2009 to both private and government companies, according to information on Coal Ministry’s Web site. Among the private companies that were allotted blocks are Sunflag Iron Steel Ltd, TISCO, Veerangana Steel Ltd, JSW Steels Ltd, Jindal Thermal Power Ltd, Adhunik Alloys & Power Ltd, Bhusan Ltd, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Deepak Steel & Power Ltd, Ultratech Ltd, Prakash Industries Ltd, Tata Sponge Iron Ltd, Essar Power Ltd, Hindalco Industries, DB Power Ltd, Adani Power Ltd, GMR Energy (IPP), Arcelor Mittal India Ltd, Lanco Group Ltd and ACC Ltd.

> siddhartha.p@thehindu.co.in

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