Former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, ex-Coal Secretary H.C. Gupta, and five others were convicted by a Delhi court on Thursday in connection with a case involving irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. This marks the 13th conviction in the coal scam, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bring accountability to the allocation process.
Special Judge Sanjay Bansal delivered the verdict, finding the accused guilty of criminal conspiracy and cheating, as well as violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The convicted individuals include Devender Darda, IAS officers K.S. Kropha and K.C. Samria, and Manoj Kumar Jayaswal, the Director of M/s JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd.
The court's decision came after it refused to accept the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) closure report in the case back on November 20, 2014. The court directed the CBI to conduct further investigations, as it found that Vijay Darda had misrepresented facts in letters written to the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, who was in charge of the Coal portfolio at the time. The purpose of these misrepresentations was to secure the allocation of the Fatehpur (East) coal block in Chhattisgarh to JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd.
The judge is set to hear arguments regarding the quantum of punishment on July 18, underscoring the upcoming phase of the legal process. The convictions serve as a significant development in the fight against corruption, aiming to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of crucial resources like coal.
It's worth noting that H.C. Gupta, who served as the coal secretary from December 2005 to November 2008, faces accusations in twelve other cases related to irregularities in coal block allocation during the UPA government. These convictions highlight the broader investigation into the coal scam and the commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
As the judicial process continues, the convictions in this case are expected to send a strong message about the consequences of corruption and malpractice in the allocation of natural resources. The verdicts serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in governance and upholding the trust of the public.
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