BRS demands Probe into Rs 1,600 Cr alleged Singareni Coal Scam
Hyderabad, June 6 (TNT): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has demanded an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged disappearance of nearly 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal, worth about ₹1,600 crore from state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
In a letter to Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Friday, KTR sought urgent clarification on how such a large quantity of coal, reportedly reflected in official stock records, went missing without accountability.
He alleged that coal stocks shown in Singareni records across multiple mines, including Mandamarri, Srirampur, Ramagundam-I & II, Bhupalpally, Yellandu and Sathupalli, were not found during physical verification, suggesting large-scale diversion and irregularities.
KTR further claimed that despite records indicating payment of coal cess and income tax on the stocks, the physical inventory did not match official figures, raising questions on oversight and auditing mechanisms.
He also pointed to earlier controversies, including the Naini coal mine tender issue, alleging a pattern of irregularities in the organisation under the current state administration.
KTR urged the Centre to order an independent probe, including the possibility of a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting judge, and suggested on-ground inspection by an all-party delegation.
Alleging loss of public funds and mismanagement, he warned of large-scale protests by BRS along with Singareni workers if the Union Government fails to initiate action.
He said transparency was essential in safeguarding the interests of workers and protecting the future of the public sector coal company.
TNT TS
