Assam Chief Minister hands over Barak Valley coal scam to CBI

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today decided to hand over the probe of coal scam in the Barak Valley to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).nn”The Government of Assam has decided to hand over the Barak Valley coal scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation for inquiry,” an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.nnSonowal today directed the chief secretary and senior officials of the Home Department to take steps for handing over the inquiry of the coal scam to the CBI.nnThis is being done to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry and appropriate action against the culprits, the release said.nnIn February this year, the Assam government had announced a CID enquiry into an alleged syndicate of illegal coal trade and smuggling operating in the state.nnThe opposition Congress has, however, been demanding a CBI enquiry into the scam saying the matter allegedly involved Coal India Ltd and it was beyond the CID’s mandate.nnSource: Press Trust of India