Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Controversy Over Singareni Collieries Scam Allegations
A leader named T. Harish Rao said there are many scams happening in a company called Singareni Collieries.
He wrote a letter asking for a serious investigation.
He mentioned a big solar power project where the cost was increased a lot, making the company lose money.
He also talked about another project where the cost was very high and some explosives were bought at a higher price.
The government is now investigating these scams and how the company's CSR funds were used, including spending on a football event with Lionel Messi and a government scheme.
The government is also defending itself, saying the allegations are false and that the company follows rules similar to other organizations.
The government wants to make sure the company is following the rules and using its money properly.
T. Harish Rao alleged multiple scams in Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
He demanded a judicial probe by a Supreme Court judge into the allegations.
A 107-MW solar power project cost was increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹5.04 crore per MW, costing SCCL ₹250 crore extra.
Another project had a cost of ₹7 crore per MW, almost double the national average.
There were irregularities in the purchase of gelatin sticks for blasting operations at a 30% higher rate.
- Who
- T. Harish Rao, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, Union Ministry of Coal technical team
- What
- Allegations of scams and irregularities in SCCL's tendering process and CSR fund utilization
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To protect a strategically important public sector undertaking and ensure compliance with regulations
Allegations of Scams
Government Defense
Scams in SCCL
Allegations of Scams
T. Harish Rao alleged multiple scams in SCCL, including cost escalations in solar projects and irregular purchases.
Government Defense
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka dismissed the allegations as false propaganda, stating that all decisions are made by SCCL's autonomous management.
CSR Fund Utilization
Allegations of Scams
Critics question the spending of CSR funds on events like Lionel Messi's football event and government schemes.
Government Defense
The government is probing the utilization of CSR funds to ensure compliance with regulations.
Site Visit Rule
Allegations of Scams
Allegations claim the site visit rule in tenders was introduced only after Bhatti assumed office.
Government Defense
Bhatti asserted that the site visit rule was introduced in 2023, following guidelines from CMPDI, and similar rules were implemented by Coal India in 2018 and NMDC in 2021.
- Organization
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
- Alleged Scam
- 107-MW solar power project
- Cost Increase
- From ₹3.5 crore to ₹5.04 crore per MW
- Additional Cost
- ₹250 crore
- Another Project Cost
- ₹7 crore per MW
- Total Alleged Scam Amount
- ₹500 crore
- Gelatin Sticks Purchase
- 30% higher rate
- Demand
- Judicial probe by a Supreme Court judge
- CSR Fund Utilization
- Rajiv Abhaya Hastham scheme and Lionel Messi's football event
- CSR Funds Spent
- Over ₹15 crore
- Site Visit Rule
- Implemented in 2023, following CMPDI guidelines
Sources
Harish Says Many Scams in Singareni, Urges Kishan Reddy to Act
Kishan Reddy's Singareni Visit Amid Naini Coal Row Assumes Significance
Singareni CSR fund use on central govt’s radar
BRS won’t spare wrongdoers, Harish warns police
Harish Rao alleges SIT probe scripted to cover Singareni scam
BRS leaders slam Congress for vindictive targeting of senior leadership
KTR says SIT probe is a diversion to mask Congress failures
Dy CM Bhatti Vikramarka dismisses false propaganda against Singareni
Bandi Sanjay Slams SIT over ‘Biased’ Phone-Tapping Probe
Singareni Contracts: Harish welcomes Bhatti Offer For Probe, Says It Must Include CM's Role
