The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against companies associated with the RP-Sanjiv Goenka group on charges of graft, cheating and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Deocha Pachami, Tara West, Mahan and South Dadhu coal blocks which were alloted between 1993-1995, reports ndtv.com.
In 2012 Central Vigilance Commission referred the case to CBI, that started a probe into alleged discrepancies in the allocation to RPG Industries, RPG Enterprises and Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) Limited, part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.
"RPG Industries in April 1992 requested the Coal Ministry for mining blocks for power generation by CESC. And Sarisatoli coal block was AS earmarked. In November 1993, CESC asked the ministry to allot an adjacent coal block as reserves in Sarisatoli were not sufficient for its plants. At this, Sarisatoli, Tara and Deocha Pachami blocks were "tentatively identified", the preliminary probe further revealed as quoted by ndtv.com.
As per the FIR, the industrial group in May 1995 had appealed for the Mahan block to set up a venture in Dholpur, Rajasthan. The clearances were in different names - RPG Enterprises' and CESC Limited, stated the probe agency.
The company that was to handle the power generation aspect was only CESC.
In July 1994, a CESC letter stated that a deal was signed with the Rajasthan State Electricity Board by RPG Enterprises, but the allocation in July 1995 was given to RPG Industries.
Company denies allegations
The RPG Group has refuted the charges levelled against the company as regards coal allocation. In an email the spokesperson states, "We categorically deny any involvement in this alleged offence. The report by your publication has caused damage to our brand and reputation. The company stated in the report is not of the Harsh Goenka owned RPG Enterprises, also referred to as RPG Group."
And it added, "RPG Group continues to uphold the highest standards of ethics in all its dealings and governance, and does not resort to or encourage any form of misconduct by its employees and the management."
