The Coal Ministry has failed to provide to the CBI 257 files related to coal blocks' allocation creating hurdle in the agency's probe into alleged irregularities. While the Government has tried to give the impression that all these filed pertained to the period of NDA rule, nearly 100 of these files deal with allotment post-2004.
CBI sources said some of the missing files are related to 13 FIRs registered by CBI in connection with allocations done during 2006-09. “We had written to the Coal Ministry in May seeking files related to coal allocation scam. We have not received any response from it,” CBI Director Ranjit Sinha told the media.
The sources said their efforts to conclude the probe into 13 FIRs have come to a halt as several records sought by the agency about beneficiary companies are in these files which are not traceable.
They said the probe is getting affected as the allegations of misrepresentation of facts against the beneficiaries and favours given to them cannot be substantiated without the files related to allocations made.
These files carry crucial documents like application forms, supporting documents, minutes of the screening committee meetings, objections raised by officials and other records which are crucial for the CBI for proving its case.
The sources said the files are not only related to the beneficiaries' records but also the companies which were rejected thus giving alleged wrongful edge to the companies which were finally allocated the mines.
The present figure of 257 missing files may go up, they said. Sources said the CBI may also approach CAG, which could be in possession of files related to the coal blocks allocation. The sources said agency would not be registering any case with regard to the missing files suo-moto and would wait a formal reply from the Ministry.
“The files are of Coal Ministry. If they have gone missing, it is the obligation of the Ministry to file a criminal case. We can only proceed with the destruction of evidence case if we receive a formal response from the Ministry,” an agency official said.
The sources said agency would inform the Supreme Court about these files and the fact that lack of records is adversely affecting its probe and delaying the charge sheets.