Bengaluru: The State government has kept in abeyance issue of work orders for Ramalingam Construction Company for construction of a right bank canal of the Harangi irrigation project. Chandrakanth Ramalingam, a contractor of the firm, was allegedly involved in illegal exchange of new currency. Sources in the State Secretariat said Minister for Major and Medium Irrigation M.B. Patil has kept in abeyance the issue of work orders, thereby preventing the company from commencing work. The company has been awarded Rs. 73.34 crore tender work for the project.On the eligibility grounds, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. board, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had cleared the tender work for the company in November-end, last year. There were only two bids for the project work, sources said. Following the allegation, sources in the Secretariat said Patil put on hold issuance of work orders, thus preventing the firm from executing the work.

Bail plea rejected

The High Court on Thursday declined to entertain an application filed by Chandrakanth Ramalingam, who has been arrested by the CBI in connection with illegal exchange of new currency, seeking early release on bail.

The High Court on January 3 had ordered for his release on bail from February 2. However, an application was filed on his behalf on Thursday seeking his release with immediate effect for the reason that he had to pay salaries to hundreds of his employees ahead of Sankranti festival. However, Justice Rathnakala found no ground to modify earlier order.