Extending the ongoing probe into the coal block scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also dragged coal block allocations made between 1993 and 2004 under the scanner.

Confirming the extension of the probe, CBI spokesperson Dharini Mishra said, “The CBI has registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) on CVC reference to probe into alleged irregularities in coal block allocation from 1993-2004.”

Mishra added that the PE was registered against some public servants and private companies. However, the spokesperson didn’t reveal the names of the public servants and private companies named in the PE.

It is worth mentioning here that the time period of between 1993 and 2004 included the NDA regime.

The CBI registered the PE after Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) referred complaints from coal minister Prakash Jaiswal and some Congress MPs, who sought CBI investigation in coal blocks allocations made during NDA regime as well.

Sources familiar with the developments said that a company linked to Nagpur-based Abhijeet Group was once put under the scanner.

Between 1993 and 2004, the government allotted a total of 43 coal blocks to many private as well as public companies, including Jindal Power Ltd., Jindal Power & Steel Ltd., Jayaswal Neco Ltd., Monet Ispat & Energy Ltd., Utkal Coal Ltd., Prakash Industries Ltd., Castron Mining Ltd., Raipur Alloys & Steel Ltd., and B S Ispat.