SAD demands CBI probe into coal scam in Punjab

Chandigarh, Oct 20 (UNI) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Parkash Singh Badal today demanded a CBI probe into the Rs 350 crore scam in the purchase of coal by the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB).

Holding Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh squarely responsible for direct involvement in the scam, Mr Badal said in a statement issued here that such massive corruption was one of the main reasons why the state had slumped into one of the most alarming power crises in recent years.

Mr Badal asked the chief minister to break his silence on the scandal especially in view of the enormity of the corruption that had taken place in the purchase of coal. By a rough estimate, the PSEB had been short changed to the tune of Rs. 100 crore.

Details of the scam with documentary evidence pertaining to the purchase, has been published by major daily newspapers, but neither the PSEB nor the chief minister had so far denied the reports, Mr Badal said.

''Nothing less than a CBI inquiry shall satisfy the demands of justice,'' he said.

According to a newspaper report, the PSEB had placed an order to import 4.42 lakh tonnes of coal worth Rs 220 crore for the Ropar Thermal plant and 2.72 lakh tonnes worth Rs 130 crore for the Lehra Mohabbat thermal plant from China, with the private company.

UNI PS MS BST1830