Coal case: CBI files final report on Hindalco

Special public prosecutor RS Cheema sought time to advance the arguments on cognisance on the closure report in the case.

Just over seven weeks, after the special court had pulled the CBI over the “missing” documents, the agency on Tuesday filed a “detailed and comprehensive” revised final closure report before the special court — in connection with the coal block allocation case against KM Birla-owned Hindalco.

The CBI filed the report before the special judge Bharat Parashar — stating that it contains a “detailed” account of the investigation carried out in the case. Investigating officer DSP K L Moses told the court that the agency has filed all the documents related to the case — as the per the court’s earlier directives.

Special public prosecutor RS Cheema sought time to advance the arguments on cognisance on the closure report in the case. The special judge said, “The CBI has filed a revised final report which is in the nature of a closure report. Special public prosecutor RS Cheema seeks some time to advance arguments. Matter put up for November 10.”

The judge asked the agency that if he takes cognisance of the final report filed by it, then how the CBI would provide the list of witnesses and documents. The prosecutor replied that the agency will assure the court that every document relating to the case will be filed before the court.

Kaunain Sheriff M

As City Editor ( Delhi) at the Indian Express, Kaunain Sheriff leads city reporting with a sharp focus on accountability journalism, data-driven stories, and ground-level impact. As the National Health Editor he leads the newsroom’s in-depth coverage of pressing health issues. He is the author of Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant, a definitive investigation into the accountability of one of the world’s most powerful pharmaceutical corporations. Areas of Expertise Investigative Reporting: Has deep expertise in investigative reporting spanning public health, regulatory affairs, drug safety, and the criminal justice system. His work sits at the intersection of governance, law, and accountability, with a particular focus on how regulatory failures, institutional lapses, and policy decisions affect citizens’ rights and safety. Data Journalism: Has extensively on big data–driven investigations, including analyses of flagship government schemes and large datasets on criminal trials, uncovering systemic gaps. Global Collaborations Kaunain is a key contributor to major international journalistic projects: The Implant Files: Collaborated with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) to expose global malpractices in the medical device industry. Chinese Big-Data Investigation: Uncovered how a foreign data firm monitored thousands of prominent Indian institutions and individuals in real-time. Awards & Recognition His commitment to "Journalism of Courage" has been recognized with the industry's highest honors: Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism SOPA Award (Society of Publishers in Asia) Red Ink Award (Mumbai Press Club) Indian Express Excellence Awards (Triple recipient for investigations into the NSA abuse in UP, Vyapam scam, and the anti-Sikh riots). Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Bangalore, before moving to Delhi to pursue his passion for journalism. His engineering training informs his analytical approach, enabling him to decode technical, legal, and data-heavy systems with precision. Social media LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaunain-sheriff-3a00ab99 X ( fromerly Twitter): @kaunain_s ... Read More