In a significant development, a Delhi court handed down sentences to several prominent individuals, including former Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda and his son, Devendra Darda, in connection with irregularities surrounding the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. The court ruled that the accused were involved in criminal conspiracy and cheating, leading to the wrongful delivery of property, and subsequently sentenced them to four years in prison. Joining the Darda duo behind bars is Manoj Kumar Jayaswal, director of JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd, who also received a four-year jail term. Additionally, former coal secretary H C Gupta, along with officials K S Kropha and K C Samaria, were each sentenced to three years in jail in connection with the case.
The convictions stem from violations related to the Indian coal allocation scam, which created uproar during the tenure of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has stated that these recent convictions mark the 13th successful prosecution in connection with the scam. The case revolved around the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh, wherein the accused were found guilty of manipulating the allocation process through a criminal conspiracy. By dishonestly inducing the delivery of the property, they gained an unfair advantage, leading to significant financial gains. Throughout the trial, evidence presented by the prosecution convincingly demonstrated the involvement of the accused in orchestrating the irregularities.
As a result, the court ruled that they had violated the Indian Penal Code’s Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and committed offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The verdict sent a strong message about the Indian judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding those involved in corruption accountable, regardless of their stature or position. The court’s stringent punishment highlights the severity with which such cases are viewed and serves as a deterrent to others who might be considering similar fraudulent activities. Given the high-profile nature of the case, it garnered significant public attention throughout the trial.
The court’s verdict puts an end to a prolonged legal battle and brings justice to those affected by the coal allocation scam. It serves as a reminder that public servants and individuals in positions of power are entrusted with responsibilities to act in the best interest of the nation, and any misuse of their authority will be met with serious consequences. With these latest convictions, the country hopes to move forward in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance, thereby strengthening the foundations of a robust and just democracy.