Missing files: CBI to register PE, 15 files missing

, Sept 19:

will register a preliminary enquiry within two days in connection with missing files related to coal block allocations. The decision was taken today after a crucial meeting of investigators with the Coal Ministry officials.

Highly placed sources said that the Coal Ministry had sent a fresh letter yesterday, giving details of the files available with it and urged CBI to consider it as a complaint on the basis of which a probe can be initiated.

They said that the agency team today met Coal ministry officials where both sides reconciled that 15-18 files related to coal block allocations, which include minutes of screening committee, remained untraceable. The sources said that based on this input it was decided to initiate a probe in connection with the missing files, but the agency preferred to start with a preliminary enquiry which could be converted into a regular case if some evidence of malafide is found.

During the analysis of documents and interactions with the Coal Ministry officials, CBI has found that some of the crucial files are not in existence. The sources said one such case is of the files related to minutes of the 26th screening committee, which are not available in the Ministry and despite best efforts, only the draft minutes could be traced in the Ministry.

They said the agency would look into the issue of such missing files as decisions have been taken referring to the minutes of the screening committee which are said to be not in existence. On Monday, the Coal Ministry had sent a tranche of documents along with the list of files and records. The preliminary analysis had shown not all files sought by the agency were provided by the Ministry.

PTI