Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered a probe into the ORR toll tender scam due to reports of a significant revenue loss to the government, estimated at Rs 15,000 crore.
The State government has decided to hand over the investigation of alleged irregularities in the finalisation of outer ring road (ORR) toll tenders to the CBI or a similar investigating agency. This decision could potentially create awkward situations for former MAUD minister K T Rama Rao and ex-secretary to the municipal administration Arvind Kumar.
The IRB company, which won the tenders, reportedly sold its shares to foreign companies shortly after the tendering process. This aspect will also be looked into as part of the probe to uncover any potential hawala transactions.
HMDA Joint Commissioner Amrapali has been tasked with providing detailed information about the irregularities in the tenders, the procedures followed during the tender process, and the movement of files. Cases are expected to be registered regarding missing files related to ORR tenders, with officials facing potential punishment according to the Chief Minister.
Revanth Reddy questioned why the tender was awarded to IRB company for only Rs 7,800 crore and how HMDA selected a company that resulted in significant revenue loss for the government. It is important to note that Arvind Kumar, the former Special Chief Secretary of Municipal Administration, had previously issued a legal notice against Revanth Reddy for alleging irregularities in the entire tendering process during the BRS government’s tenure.
