Former CBI chief Ranjit Sinha is accused of meeting persons named in coal scam (AFP photo)

Former CBI chief Ranjit Sinha has been indicted by a Supreme Court appointed panel that investigated allegations that he interfered in coal scam cases.A report submitted in a sealed cover by former CBI officer ML Sharma "points the needle of suspicion" at Mr Sinha and says it appears he did try to influence the coal scam case.Allegations of misdemeanor exploded against the former chief investigator just as he was retiring two years ago, after senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan submitted in court a diary of visitors to Mr Sinha's home. Mr Bhushan alleged that the CBI director compromised investigations into major scams by meeting the accused at his residence.Mr Sharma's report says that the visitors' diary produced by Mr Bhushan is genuine."He had met several of the coal scam accused multiple times...sometimes 50-60 times. Secondly the actions of the CBI Director do indicate that his meetings have influenced his decisions and actions in the matter," Mr Bhushan told reporters.The Supreme Court has reserved orders on what action to take on the report.The court, however, rebuked the CBI when it said none of its officers wanted to take a decision on closing coal scam cases."Then let us close down the Supreme Court saying no one wants to take responsibility," the judges snapped.The CBI had responded to a question on why the coal scam investigation was delayed.Mr Sinha has denied any wrongdoing and said that he never granted favours to persons he allegedly met at his home.