Coal news and updates

The CBI is likely to examine Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Javed Usmani in connection with its probe in the coal scam. Sources said Usmani's statement would be recorded in connection with its probe in the coal allocations with focus on files cleared by the PMO during 2004-07. 

 

Usmani, a 1978 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, was posted as joint secretary in the ministry between July 2004-October, 2007 before his posting at the World Bank. The sources, however, refuse to give details whether they would examine Usmani as a witness or they had stumbled upon any evidence suggesting his role in the scam. 

 

Sources said the agency will need the clearance of the Uttar Pradesh government before calling Usmani for recording his statement in connection with the scam. However, they said his statement is necessary for the completion of the agency's probe in the case. 

 

The CBI has already questioned senior PMO officials, including advisor to PM T K A Nair, who was earlier principal secretary to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. 

 

The agency has also examined two officials — Vini Mahajan and Ashish Gupta - who were posted in the PMO between 2006 and 2009. Mahajan, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Punjab cadre, was posted as director in the PMO during 2006-09 and is now back to his state. Gupta, an IPS officer of 1989 batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre, was the vigilance officer in the PMO and gone back to his cadre. 

 

 

Source: ToI