Guilty would be punished: Gadkari on NHAI bribery case

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday promised strict action over allegations that some National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials were bribed by a US-based construction firm between 2011 and 2015.

Gadkari said the alleged bribes were given during the Congress government and that he had ordered an investigation into the matter.

"As soon as I was made aware of it, I immediately ordered an inquiry," he told reporters here.

Earlier, it was reported that Boston-based construction firm CDM SMith allegedly paid $1.18 million bribe to four officials of the NHAI between 2011 and 2015 to secure four highway construction contracts.

The minister said that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of the charge.

Gadkari said that his government had zero tolerance for corruption and was committed to corruption-free and transparent administration.

--IANS

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