Investigations into the coal-gate scam have revealed that out of 64 coal blocks which are under the Central Bureau of Investigation [CBI] scanner for irregularities, Jharkhand reportedly tops the list.
The CBI sources say that the largest number of suspicious beneficiaries is turning out to be in Jharkhand. 'We are in process of scrutinising details of 64 coal blocks and till now we have found out that it is Jharkhand where maximum benefits were given to private companies,' a CBI source said.
The CBI has been investigating the allocation of captive coal blocks between 2006 and 2009 on the basis of a complaint forwarded to it by the Central Vigilance Commission.
Already, of the five FIRs which have been lodged by the CBI till now, two blocks which have surfaced are in Jharkhand. They are Maogarhi coal blacks in Jharkhand which was allotted to JAS infrastructures Capital Private Limited and Rajhara North coal block in Jharkhand which was allotted to Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Private Limited.
A CBI team is already camping in Jharkhand, probing coal blocks which are under scanner.
Meanwhile, the CBI is likely to register cases against six more companies in connection with its probe into the alleged irregularities. 'We suspect that from these six companies also most coal blocks will be in Jharkhand,' the sources said.