CBI to file 14 new cases in coal scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will file 14 new cases in the coal block allocation scam after the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) rejected the agency's recommendation to close the probe in these matters.

Sources said the CBI had recommended the closure of investigations in the allocation of 64 out of over 200 blocks that are being probed as it failed to find evidence of any criminality or quid pro quo.

However, in some cases there was a difference of opinion between investigating officers, who said a case may be made out, and senior officers who over-ruled their recommendation and directed the closure of the probe.

Taking cognisance of these differences of opinion, the CVC has recommended that cases can be registered in 14 allocations which had been recommended for closure.

The Supreme Court, while hearing the coal block cases, had in late March asked the CVC to give its suggestions on whether the cases can be closed or chargesheets can be filed.

The CBI was accused by an NGO, Common Cause, of not acting fairly in its probe. The NGO also claimed there were instances of the agency filing closure reports in regular cases without seeking the opinion of the CVC.