Coal scam: SC forms SIT to probe charges against ex-CBI Chief Ranjit Sinha

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today constituted a special investigation team, to be headed by the CBI Director, to look into the prima facie allegations against former CBI chief Ranjit Sinha of trying to influence the probe in the coal scam cases. A bench headed by Justice M B Lokur said the CBI Director can take assistance of two officers of his choice after duly intimating the apex court. The bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and A K Sikri, said the panel headed by former CBI special director M L Sharma has prima facie indicted Sinha for allegedly scuttling the coal scam cases. "Since there has been a change in guard in CBI, we will continue to repose our faith in CBI," the bench said, while making it clear that it has not expressed its opinion on the writ petition pending before it or the M L Sharma panel report. The bench said Special Public Prosecutor for coal scam cases, senior advocate R S Cheema, would assist the CBI director and his team on legal issues relating to the matter. It asked the CBI Director to inform the court on the next date of hearing about the composition of his team and the time needed to complete the probe.