CBI files status report in SC on coal blocks probe

The CBI Monday filed a status report giving details of its probe in alleged irregularities in coal block allocations. The status report has been filed in a sealed envelope and the Supreme Court may go through it on January 15 when a Bench headed by Justice R M Lodha will hear PILs on the alleged flouting of norms and procedures.

However, reports quoting CBI sources said the agency has informed the apex court that it found no criminality in the allocation of about 60 coal blocks, which are likely to be taken out of the purview of its ongoing probe after taking court’s permission.

Although the agency has analysed the records in detail and concluded there was no criminality involved in the allocation of these coal blocks, a final decision whether to drop them from the ongoing probe would be taken after Supreme Court directives, the sources said.

The sources said 195 coal blocks allocations are being probed out of which in 16 cases the CBI has found prima facie material which indicates cheating, criminal misconduct and corruption based on which the agency has registered FIRs. There are two other preliminary enquiries which are related to missing files.