At least five private companies under scanner

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a preliminary enquiry to probe alleged irregularities in issuance of licences to at least five private companies for exploration of mineral wealth in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea during 2010-11. The prime allegation is that licences for 28 of the 62 offshore mines were granted to companies owned by the son and brother of an Indian Revenue Officer in conspiracy with unknown officials of the Indian Bureau of Mines and the Union Ministry of Mines.