The 'Bond Man' TM Ramalingam was questioned by Income Tax (I-T) department for the entire day at Chennai, relates to his possession of $5 billion worth of US bonds, which were seized by the Officials on December 31. Meanwhile, a senior official from the state government said the State Industry Department don't have any knowledge about Ramalingam's $1.5 billion refinery project in the state.
Ramalingam arrived at the I-T department's office in Chennai at 10 am on Friday in a White Sumo. Dressed in white shirt and black pant, he managed to escape from the media representatives, who were waiting from 8.30 am. The inquiry continued till 7 pm on Friday.
The department summoned Ramalingam to appear on Friday, however, on Thursday Ramalingam stated that he may not attend due to health reasons. But contrary, accompanied by his wife and lawyer he presented himself at the I-T office today. The department did not allow the lawyer to stay with him during the inquiry.
This will be the second day, Ramalingam kept the I-T officials busy for the entire day. On December 31, 2012, around 21 officials from the I-T department searched his house at Dharampuram in Tirupur district, for almost 14 hours. The seized documents were sent to Ministry of Finance and US Embassy for verification. If the bonds are genuine, this would be the biggest ever haul reported in India.
Meanwhile, a senior Tamil Nadu government official said the state government do not have knowledge or information about Ramlingam’s proposed petroleum refinery project at Thondi in Ramanathapuram district, around 550 kms from Chennai. Ramalingam earlier said he has asked the Centre for permission to set up a $1.5 billion refinery project, which prompted the I-T department.
