(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Coal for LOC jawan sold to brick-Kilns` appearing in the `Indian Express` dated February 11, 2003;
(b) if so, whether any inquiry has been conducted by his Ministry in this regard;
(c) if so, the findings thereof;
(d) the number of persons found involved therein;
(e) the total loss suffered by Indian Army in this coal scam; and
(f) the action taken or being taken by the Government against the guilty persons?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (f): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2452 FOR 6.3.2003
The news item mentioned in the Question is based on the information from civil police, who had found some coal dumps outside the kilns in Kupwara. It was assumed by the police that the coal was meant for the Army. The coal was being carried in civil vehicle and not in Army vehicles. The Army has asked the civil police to provide the vehicle registration numbers to enable the Army to check if the vehicles were carrying coal for the Army. In case any involvement of the Army is established, necessary action to hold Court of Inquiry and to punish the guilty will be taken.