Congress seeks CBI probe into CMDC-SMS joint venture

Chhattisgarh unit of Congress has demanded a CBI probe into the state-owned CMDC's joint venture with Nagpur-based SMS Infrastructure for mining at Shankarpur (Bhatgaon-II) coal block, in the wake of Centre's decision to cancel the block allocation.

Congress today said the BJP government in the state was directly responsible for the alleged misdeeds of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC). It also sought action against Ajay Sancheti, the Managing Director of the joint venture, who is allegedly close to the BJP president Nitin Gadkari. State Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel said a CBI probe was required.

CAG had pulled up CMDC for accepting a single bid for commercial mining of the coal from Bhatgaon II extension block, that too at a very low amount.