Coal block: PMO hands over Hindalco file to CBI

The Prime Ministers Office PMO on Friday handed over to the CBI the file related to the allocation of coal block to Hindalco in Orissa. The agency had written to PMO on Tuesday seeking all files and documents related to Talabira coal block. The CBI had sought the file related to the allocation. We gave the file and got the receipt, a PMO official said.

The PMO told the CBI that it is ready to provide any other information,if required,about the allocation of Talabira coal block in 2005. The Prime Minister,who has been under attack from the Opposition over the allocation to Hindalco promoted by K M Birla,has defended the decision as entirely appropriate and based on merits of the case presented to him.

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After the CBI filed an FIR against Birla and former coal secretary P C Parakh last week,the agency received flak for targeting the industrialist. Parakh has said if he is accused of conspiracy,then the Prime Minister also should be made an accused as he had approved the revised decision.

The Prime Minister on Thursday said he was ready to face the CBI in the matter as he has nothing to hide. I am not above the law of the land. If there is anything the CBI or,for that matter anybody,wants to ask me,I have nothing to hide, he had said.