CBI Seeks Maximum Punishment For Ex-steel Ministry Official In Coal Scam Case

The CBI has recently sought before a Delhi court for the imposition of a 7-years of jail upon a former official of the Ministry of Steel, who has been convicted within a case pertaining to alleged irregularities associated with the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh.

The investigative agency urged Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj to hand over the maximum punishment of 7 years to Gautam Kumar Basak, a former executive secretary of the Joint Plant Committee (JPC) within the Ministry of Steel.

The CBI told the court that the convict didn’t deserve any leniency, claiming he committed a “very serious offence”.

In the 14th conviction related to the coal scandal, the judge previously rendered a verdict of culpability against Basak for his involvement in corrupt practices during the allocation of the Vijay Central Coal Block.

According to the prosecution, allegations were levelled against Prakash Industries Ltd., that had submitted an application for the acquisition of the coal block in January 2007. It was alleged that the company submitted misleading information regarding its capacity.

Furthermore, the ministry directed Basak to ascertain the truth of the allegation. According to the prosecution the official from the steel ministry, presented a falsified report in 2008 that supported the claims made by the company.

Previously, the company along with its director, had been discharged from this case by the Delhi High Court. The CBI lodged appeal against the high court’s pronouncement, and this appeal is currently pending before the apex Court.

CBI’s Deputy Legal Advisor Sanjay Kumar stated in the trial court, “Maximum punishment may be awarded to the convict and heaviest amount of fine may be imposed upon him in the interest of justice.”

The judge will pronounce the sentence in the matter on August 22.