Coal scam: CBI ‘absconder’ tag for Lala

Kolkata: Days after the CBI claimed that Anup Maji, alias Lala, was untraceable, the agency released advertisements in the media claiming that the prime accused in the illegal coal trading case was “absconding”. The agency on Thursday got hold of an order from the special CBI court in Asansol for the same.
“Lala is a prime accused in the case and he has not responded to any of our summons so far. We are sure he is absconding and we need to get hold of him. He has been asked to appear before the court on February 11,” a CBI officer said.
On Wednesday, the agency had conducted raids on at least 10 premises across the state, including the residence of Maji. Investigators said he had earlier appeared before the income tax department, and his statement had been recorded. But, he “absconded” thereafter.
Meanwhile, the CBI is also looking for one Vinay Mishra in connection with both the coal scam and cross-border cattle smuggling. While he has not responded to earlier summons, sources said Mishra’s brother has been asked to appear at CBI’s Nizam Palace office on January 15 and 16.