FBR launches investigation into Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) scam

F.P. Report

RAWALPINDI: The Federal Board of Revenue has demanded the inquiry report of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) scam from the Punjab government, on Saturday.

According to sources, the FBR has asked commissioner Rawalpindi to submit the report of the notorious Ring Road scandal. But the board has yet to receive the signed copy of the RRR inquiry report.

The revenue board that also investigates tax crimes, suspicious accumulation of wealth and money-laundering has been tasked by the government to launch an investigation into the tax evaders involved in the RRR scam.

The sources said the government has directed the FBR to open a probe into the Benami institutes of the present and retired government officials. The board will look into the sale deeds of Benami properties in the RRR scam.

The sources also revealed that the revenue board will take action against 12 housing societies under the Anti-Benami Act.

The FBR has been given a green signal to launch inquiries into Nova City and New Airport City schemes, the sources added.

The FBR has also been suggested to open investigations into Top City, Capital Smart City, SAS Developers, Ittihad City, Life Residentia and Rudn Enclave housing schemes.

The sources said that inquiry report revealed the sale deeds of Benami land worth thousands of kanals in the RRR scam.

Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the alleged changes in the re-alignment of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which not only increased the cost of the project by Rs25 billion but also benefited some private housing societies, and directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to investigate the matter.

Acting upon which Mr Buzdar issued directives to send the Ring Road embezzlement case to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).