CHENNAI: State PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna on Wednesday alleged that there was severe corruption’ in the public works and highways departments during the ‘previous regimes’ and sought those affected by the corruption to lodge complaints. The complaints can be sent to the police or mailed to ‘minister.pwd.hd.tn@gmail.com.’“Identity of the complainants would not be disclosed and they would be given legal support,’’ he assured in a statement. Without mentioning DMK or AIADMK, Aadhav Arjuna said the public works and highways departments witnessed “planned violations” under “previous govts” and there was a “fixed bribe structure.”He alleged that those in power, their family members, and persons close to them collected money from contractors after assuring them of contracts, but failed to allot the promised works, leaving several contractors cheated.“Those who have been affected or cheated after paying money for promised contracts can submit complaints directly to me or to the DVAC. The identity of complainants will be protected, and they will be provided legal protection,” Aadhav said.Aadhav said his office had been receiving multiple complaints regarding the alleged irregularities and appealed everyone who were affected by the previous govt to lodge complaints. Complaints can be submitted directly to him or emailed, he said.The minister said appropriate legal action would also be initiated to help recover the money allegedly lost by those who were cheated. The minister assured that contracts would be awarded in a transparent manner in future.
