CBI files first charge sheet against Koda in graft case

RANCHI - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed the first charge sheet against jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and his two associates in a graft case, a source in the federal agency said Saturday.

The charge sheet against Koda, Vinod Sinha and Sanjay Chaudhary was filed in a Ranchi vacation CBI court Friday. Both Koda and Sinha are in jail. Chaudhary is absconding.

“The investigation revealed that Koda and his associates had shown favour to a company by obtaining illegal gratification to the tune of Rs.13 crore in the matter of recommending the company for allotment of land for mining of iron ore,” said the CBI source.

The charge sheet said Sinha and Chaudhary played a key role in the mining contract and accepted kickbacks, the source said.

The CBI is investigating several corruption allegations against Koda and his associates. These include Rs.2,500 crore worth money laundering, amassing assets beyond known sources of income and taking kickbacks while awarding mining contracts.

The income tax department and the enforcement directorate raided the houses of Koda and others in October last year and February this year.

Koda is in jail since Nov 30 last year. He was arrested in a case of disproportionate assets.