CBI Questions ex-PM Manmohan Singh

According to media reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has questioned former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a case related to the allocation of the Talabira II coal block in Orissa to Hindalco in 2005. Manmohan Singh was in charge of the coal ministry at that time.

Various media reports suggest that a team of CBI officers went to Singh’s residence and enquired him about two letters — dated May 7, 2005 and June 17, 2005 — that were sent to Singh by industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla. In the letter, Birla had requested to allocate the coal block to Hindalco.

Earlier, a special CBI court had refused to accept a closure report filed in the case. It had also asked the CBI to examine the role of the former Prime Minister. “I am of the considered opinion that before the matter is examined further as to what offence, if any, stands committed or by whom the same has been committed, it will be appropriate that the then minister of coal be first examined qua various aspects,” Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar had said.

The court had also noted that the letter written by Hindalco chief Birla “certainly raised eyebrows.” It further added that “The number of reminders which were sent by the PMO, as well as repeated telephonic requests seeking an early response from the coal ministry raises grave shadows of suspicion.”

“There are certain circumstances which need to be elaborated and explained, especially regarding the manner and the circumstances under which the matter was taken up in the PMO or under what circumstances the recommendations of the 25th screening committee were set aside even though it already stood approved,” the court had said.

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