Assam CM hands over Barak Valley coal scam to CBI

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday decided to hand over the probe of coal scam in the Barak Valley to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“The Government of Assam has decided to hand over the Barak Valley coal scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation for inquiry,” an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Sonowal on Sunday directed the chief secretary and senior officials of the Home Department to take steps for handing over the inquiry of the coal scam to the CBI.

This is being done to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry and appropriate action against the culprits, the release said.

In February this year, the Assam government had announced a CID enquiry into an alleged syndicate of illegal coal trade and smuggling operating in the state.

The opposition Congress has, however, been demanding a CBI enquiry into the scam saying the matter allegedly involved Coal India Ltd and it was beyond the CID’s mandate.