A major coal scam was unearthed by MahaGenco officials at Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS) on Tuesday. A truck laden with pure coal from Western Coalfields Limited’s (WCL) Gondegaon mine meant for KTPS was diverted to a private place while another truck laden with inferior quality coal arrived at KTPS for unloading. Shockingly, both trucks were using the same number plate and GPS was also manipulated, said MahaGenco officials. After unearthing the scam, a complaint was lodged with Khaparkheda police by MahaGenco officials demanding stern action against truck transporter, security guards of KTPS and a company involved in GPS tracking of trucks.

 

A press release of MahaGenco stated that the company had awarded contracts to two firms for transportation of coal from various coal mines by road to KTPS. On Tuesday, at around 1.07 am, the truck (MH-22/AA-3414) of the transport contractor concerned arrived at the 3x660 MW Koradi Power Station carrying coal from the Gondegaon Coal Mine of WCL. Two vigilant citizens informed KTPS security guards that the number plate of one vehicle was affixed with the sticker of another vehicle. Accordingly, while inspecting the vehicle, a sticker (MH-40/BG-0901) was found on the number plate of the truck. The KTPS officials immediately started investigation and found the original truck with registration number (MH-22/AA-3414) parked at Bhanegaon T-point laden with coal. Also, the GPS of this truck was changed to truck (MH-40/BG-0901). Khaparkheda Police brought the concerned driver and contractor supervisor to Khaparkheda Police Station at around 3.15 am.

 

The MahaGenco official said that the concerned transport contractor replaced the vehicle number (MH-22/AA-3414) which was loaded with good quality coal from Gondegaon Coal Mine and loaded the vehicle (MH-40/BG-0901) with coal of inferior quality. The MahaGenco was facing a loss of Rs 80,000 in each trip. More than 100 trucks are transporting coal to KTPS everyday, said that official. He further said that the BMH company has been awarded a contract for GPS tracking of the trucks. MahaGenco’s Chief General Manager (Security) Col Rajiv Malewar, Chief Engineer KTPS Prakash Khandare are following up the matter.