The High Court of Madras has asked the Anti-Corruption Bureau to file a detailed report on the Rs.800-crore scam in procuring tar.

An individual named Balaji had earlier moved the High Court referring to reports citing allegations of scam to the tune of Rs.800 crores in procuring tar to lay roads.  He had stated in his petition that tar had been quoted in pre-acquisition tender at the earlier rates when its cost was high and acquired in that rate.  He alleged that its price in tender wasn’t reduced thought the market price of tar had come down drastically.

Replying to the petition, the Highways Department denied that any such scam took place and told the Court that in view of the fluctuation in cost of tar, Rs.519 crore had actually been taken back from contractors. The High Court summarily rejected the Highways Department’s claim.

“It can’t be denied outright that a scam had taken place; only a thorough inquiry could bring out the truth. The Anti-Corruption Bureau should conduct a detailed inquiry and furnish the inquiry report along with a detailed reply within the next four weeks,” the Court ruled.