Mr BL Bagra acting CMD of Navratna PSU National Aluminium Company was removed from his post by the mines ministry even as an inquiry by Central Vigilance Commission over his involvement in a lime scam is on.

Mr Bagra who took over as acting CMD on February 27th 2011 following the arrest of former CMD Mr Abhay Kumar Srivastava by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a bribery case was named by Nalco’s chief vigilance officer Mr PK Mohanty along with two of the company’s directors in INR 15 crore lime scam. In July this year, The Indian Express had reported Mr Bagra’s alleged involvement in the lime scam. Mr Bagra who is already retired was functioning as CMD on a three month term renewal basis after Srivastava’s exit.

Top Nalco sources said that his last extension ended on August 27th 2012. Further extension was not granted as CVC was inquiring into his role in lime scam as well as CBI, which is probing into his role in last year’s Graduate Engineer Trainee appointment scam.

The order from the mines ministry said the next seniormost director Mr Anshuman Das now director commercial would be the new acting CMD.

On June 12th 2012, Mr Mohanty submitted a report (No. V/01/170) to the Ministry of Mines and the Central Vigilance Commission about the lime scam in which the notice inviting tender issued for procurement of lime were manipulated in order to favor certain suppliers. The group of senior officials headed by Mr Bagra reportedly relaxed the conditions for the supplier which resulted in a loss of INR 15 crore for the company.

Source - Indian Express

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