CoalAudit – KTR Seeks Probe Into Alleged Missing Singareni Coal Stocks
CoalAudit – Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and working president K.T. Rama Rao has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged disappearance of nearly 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal from the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). According to his claims, the missing coal is valued at around Rs 1,600 crore and raises serious questions about stock management and oversight within the state-owned mining company.
Letter Sent to Union Coal Minister
In a letter addressed to Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Rama Rao questioned how such a significant quantity of coal, reportedly recorded in official inventory documents, could no longer be traced. He urged the Central Government to verify the status of the coal stocks and determine whether any irregularities had occurred.
According to KTR, coal that was expected to be available in designated storage locations may have been diverted unlawfully and sold elsewhere, resulting in substantial financial losses for SCCL. He demanded that those responsible be identified and held accountable through a transparent inquiry.
Concerns Over Stock Verification
The BRS leader cited information that was allegedly available in official records on the Singareni website. These records reportedly showed coal reserves across several mining regions, including Mandamarri, Srirampur, Ramagundam-I, Ramagundam-II, Bhupalpally, Yellandu and Sathupalli.
However, he claimed that physical inspections did not match the figures reflected in the records. According to his allegations, coal that was shown as available on paper could not be found at the corresponding sites during verification efforts.
Questions Raised on Oversight Mechanisms
KTR also questioned the effectiveness of monitoring systems linked to the mining company. He argued that taxes and cess payments had reportedly been recorded against these coal stocks, making the alleged absence of the material even more concerning.
He sought clarification on why agencies responsible for oversight, including officials from the Union Coal Ministry and audit authorities, had not yet conducted a detailed examination of the reported discrepancy. He maintained that the issue deserved urgent attention because of its potential financial impact on a major public sector enterprise.
Allegations Against State and Central Governments
The former Telangana minister stated that a series of controversies had emerged around Singareni since the Congress government came to power in the state. He referred to previous concerns raised by his party regarding coal mining contracts and other administrative decisions.
KTR argued that both the state and central administrations must ensure the protection of Singareni, describing the company as an important public asset for Telangana. He alleged that insufficient action had been taken despite repeated concerns raised by the opposition.
Demand for Independent Investigation
Calling for greater transparency, Rama Rao proposed that representatives from different political parties be allowed to visit the affected mines and storage yards for direct verification. He said such an exercise would help establish the facts and improve public confidence in the findings.
He also renewed criticism over earlier controversies related to mining tenders and alleged irregularities involving procurement activities, solar power contracts, CSR fund utilization and other financial decisions connected to Singareni operations.
Warning of Future Protests
KTR demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the alleged Rs 1,600 crore coal discrepancy. He stated that the livelihoods of thousands of workers and the long-term future of Singareni could be affected if concerns about governance and accountability are not addressed promptly.
The BRS leader warned that his party, along with employees and workers associated with Singareni, could launch large-scale protests if a formal investigation is not initiated. He reiterated that the people of Telangana deserve complete clarity regarding the reported disappearance of coal stocks and called for immediate corrective measures