Govt official fears for life from Anil's group

Under attack for alleged favours granted to Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, director general of hydrocarbons, V K Sibal has sought protection from the government fearing a threat to his life from Anil Ambani group - a charge denied by ADAG.

"I fear a threat to my life," Sibal wrote to home and petroleum ministries on a day when ADAG filed an application in Supreme Court alleging nexus between him and RIL and that this led to the regulator approving the increased capital expenditure in the Mukesh-led firm operated KG-D6 fields. Incidentally, Central Vigilance Commission has asked CBI to probe the allegations of personal favours received by Sibal from RIL in lieu of approving the company's capex for KG-D6.

When contacted, an ADAG spokesperson said: "We have already approached Supreme Court on the role played by Sibal in favouring RIL. Alleging a "witch-hunt" by ADAG, Sibal wrote: "ADAG is a corporate giant with unlimited resources. It is clear from the recent actions of this group that they are bent upon damaging my professional and personal life. In view of this I will not be surprised if ADAG resorts to violent means to achieve their objective. Therefore, I perceive a threat to my family members and myself."

Sibal confirmed writing the letters. "ADAG has orchestrated a sustained campaign to malign me by alleging that I and my family members availed favours from RIL. ADAG has followed the sustained campaign by filing a petition in the Supreme Court," Sibal wrote.