Addressing mediapersons today, Gandhi said that in 2002, a vigilance inquiry was initiated, in which a multi-crore scam in the coal business had come to light. “However, this report was later changed and the officers gave clean chit to the persons involved in the scam. I will now approach the High Court to demand justice, so that the scam can be highlighted.”

Gandhi also alleged that Punjab government is losing tax of Rs 75 crores to Rs 100 crore, because the coal contractors are getting bills issued much lower than the actual cost of the consignment.

Responding to the allegations levelled by the brick kiln associations that he did not allow loading and unloading of coal from Dhandari railway station many times, Gandhi said, “It is the truckers who did not pick the coal supplies, as they were on strike. I have been unnecessarily blamed for it.”

Gandhi further alleged that the brick kiln associations are paying ‘goonda tax’ to coal suppliers, because their men are involved in coal mafia. Gandhi said, “I have talked to the president of the Punjab Brick Kiln Association in this regard, and have asked him to help me in exposing the scam.”