K. T. Rama Rao, the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has called for a prompt and thorough investigation into the alleged disappearance of approximately 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal, valued at around Rs 1,600 crore, from the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). In a letter sent to Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, he expressed concern over how such a significant amount of coal could vanish from records without any accountability.

KTR suggested that coal, which should have been present in stockyards, may have been illegally diverted and sold, leading to significant financial losses for the public sector undertaking. He urged the Union Government to determine the whereabouts of the missing resources and to hold individuals accountable for this situation.

In his statement, KTR highlighted that ever since the Congress party came to power in Telangana, the Singareni Collieries have been linked to multiple scandals. He cited various controversies, including the Naini coal mine tender issues, and remarked that there has been little to no action from the Centre despite continuous demands from the BRS party for accountability.

Questions Raised on Records and Accountability

A press release indicated that SCCL’s official records claimed the presence of around 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal across several mines, such as Mandamarri, Srirampur, Ramagundam-I, Ramagundam-II, Bhupalpally, Yellandu, and Sathupalli. However, a reported physical verification showed an absence of coal stocks at the stated locations.

KTR pointed out inconsistencies regarding the records that indicated payment of coal cess and income tax, while the actual coal was reportedly missing. He questioned the responsible parties and remarked on the lack of inspections previously conducted by officials from the Union Coal Ministry or by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

“The coal associated with Singareni belongs to the people of Telangana,” KTR stated in the press release, emphasising that both the State and Central Governments are potentially jeopardising the institution’s future. He further claimed that if there is no agreement between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Union Minister Kishan Reddy, an immediate investigation should be mandated by the Centre.

Call for Transparency and Judicial Inquiry

Referring to prior controversies regarding the Naini coal mine tender, KTR alleged that the Congress government implemented specific criteria to benefit select bidders. He stated that despite efforts by BRS to expose these issues, no significant measures have been taken against those implicated.

Concerns were also raised regarding potential irregularities in solar power tenders, procurement of diesel, purchases of explosives, the diversion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and the alleged misuse of funds intended for Singareni. KTR accused both the Congress and the BJP of shielding those involved in various misdeeds and has demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the coal scam valued at Rs 1,600 crore.

He warned that the futures of numerous Singareni workers and the overall integrity of Telangana’s significant public sector institution are at stake. KTR emphasised that BRS will not accept any actions aimed at undermining or corrupting Singareni. If the Centre does not instigate an inquiry into the allegations, BRS intends to mobilise workers and employees in protest against both the State and Central Governments.

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