Chandigarh, April 11 -- Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian has issued a formal apology for using abusive language in a leaked audio clip that has sparked a significant political row in the state.

While expressing regret for his choice of words, the Minister categorically denied the allegations leveled against him by Mukerian-based businessman Malkit Singh.

Mundian challenged the businessman to prove the claims under oath, asserting that he never purchased a trolley from him and owes no money. He further claimed that the allegations are baseless and an attempt to malign his reputation, stating that even the local villagers do not support the businessman's version of events.

The controversy escalated as the daughters of Malkit S...