13 December 2012. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing heads of several Public Sector Undertakings for alleged corruption. Lok Sabha was informed today that CBI launched investigation into the affairs of former Chairperson and Managing Directors (CMDs) of Copper India and Coal India for alleged misappropriation of funds, bribery and favouritism in award of contracts. Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, V Narayanasamy, told the Lower House in a written reply that former CMD of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), Shakeel Ahmed, is under investigation for alleged “corruption” in allotting tender for developing underground mine at Malajhkhand district Balaghat Copper project. The CBI has also referred a matter to Chief Vigilance Commission and Ministry of Coal against Coal India Ltd.’s former Chief Partha S Bhattacharyya for allegedly accepting car as a gift in the matter of transfer of coal block to Bengal Emta Coal Mines,” V Narayanasamy said. This gift caused a loss to Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) a subsidiary of Coal India. Narayanasamy also said that a complaint pertaining to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (now known as BEML)’s chief VRS Natarajan was being forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for necessary action. The complaint concerns irregularities in awarding tender for transport of Heavy Earth Moving Equipments. A complaint against CMD of Oil India has been forwarded to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This complaint centres round a reward given to the wife of the Managing Director. National Aluminium Company Limited’s former CMD A K Srivastav is under probe involving alleged corruption in recruitment. Corporation Bank’s former CMD RN Pradeep was referred to RBI for allegations involving irregularities in granting loans.
