- Naini coal tender investigation launched at Singareni
- Naini coal tender cancellation triggers central scrutiny
Hyderabad: The central government has begun an investigation into the Naini coal tender controversy, following allegations linked to the tender process. Acting on the orders of Union Minister for Coal Mines G. Kishan Reddy, a two member technical committee reached the Singareni building and started its inquiry. The move marks the first formal step by the Centre to examine issues connected to the disputed Naini coal block tender.
According to the available information, the central team is looking into several aspects of the Naini coal tender. These include the utilization of CSR funds and the terms mentioned in the tender notification. Meanwhile, the team has been collecting details from Singareni CMD Krishna Bhaskar as part of the investigation. Officials confirmed that the inquiry continued for nearly seven hours on Friday, indicating the depth of scrutiny involved.
Later, the same two member team resumed the investigation again today. The Centre has directed the committee to complete its work and submit a detailed report next Monday. Therefore, the findings of the probe are expected to play a key role in determining the next course of action on the Naini coal tender issue. The investigation is being closely monitored at the central level.
Meanwhile, developments at the state level have added significance to the probe. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka ordered the cancellation of the Naini coal tenders earlier. This decision followed allegations that the site visit certificate clause in the tender notification was incorrect and could lead to irregularities. As a result, concerns over the tender process drew wider attention.
Also, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy responded to the allegations of corruption linked to the Naini coal block tenders. He formed a technical committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The two member committee includes Deputy Director General of the Coal Department Chetna Shukla and Technical Director of the Coal Department Marapalli Venkateswarlu. Both officers are part of the Central Coal Department.
The team visited Singareni and conducted an inquiry into the reasons behind the cancellation of the Naini coal block tender. The Centre has instructed the committee to submit its report within three days. Therefore, the outcome of the central investigation is expected to bring clarity to the controversy surrounding the Naini coal tender.
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