Coal scam: Wait For Prosecution Sanctions Lingers 

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The CID’s wait for prosecution sanctions against 11 accused in the coal scam from the departments concerned is becoming far too long. For some obscure reasons, the prosecution sanctions from the departments concerned are not forthcoming.

A number of coal-laden trucks from Meghalaya without any valid papers were allowed to enter Guwahati at Koina-Dhora check gate in early this year. However, all the trucks were seized by the CID, leading to the arrest of their drivers, handymen and coal agents.

During interrogations of the arrested people, it came to light that a few tax officials, a few transport officials and a revenue circle officer were involved in allowing trucks illegally transporting coal through Assam. During its investigation, the CID arrested 11 officials, including tax officials, transport officials and a revenue circle officer. Completing its investigation into a part of the coal syndicate scam, the CID prepared charge sheets against the 11 officials. According to standard practice, the CID has to get prosecution sanctions against the 11 officials from their departments concerned before initiating trial against them in the court. Even as the CID sought prosecution sanctions from the Finance Department, the Transport Department and the Revenue Department against the 11 accused through the Home Department long back, the response from the departments has not been forthcoming. If the prosecution sanctions against the 11 accused do not come, the CID cannot submit the charge sheets before the court against the 11 accused.

An allegation doing rounds at Dispur is that a lobby is out to give a protective shield to the 11 accused as trial against them in the court may tumble more skeletons out of the cupboard.

Also Read: Assistant Enforcement Inspector arrested for coal scam by Assam CID