Post News Network
New Delhi, Feb 2: The controversial Talabira I coal block in Orissa which was held by Hindalco has received 17 bids for the upcoming coal auction. The last day for schedule–II coal mines bid will close February 3 and the technical bid will open March 23.
The allocation of Talabira 1 was made in 1994 to Indian Aluminum Company Ltd (Indal), a company which was merged with Hindalco, part of the Aditya Birla group in 2007. Recently, CBI has registered a fresh case in the coal allocation matters against unknown public servants and M/s Indal (now Hindalco).
Allegations are that coal was used in unauthorised manner in the existing power plant whereas allocation was done for expanding the capacity of the new power plant. Further mining was started without mine opening permission. Public servants facilitated it by not taking action against the unauthorised use despite their knowledge,” the CBI statement said.
CBI had filed a closure report in this case last August but a special court ordered a further probe, which led to the agency questioning former PM Manmohan Singh.