Chennai: A court in Chennai today (Aug 23, 2004) rejected bail to suspended DIG of Tamil Nadu police Mohammad Ali, arrested in connection with the Rs 30,000 crore fake stamp paper scam.

First Additional Sessions Judge P Devidas dismissed the application of Ali, holding that if released on bail, there was possibility of him tampering with evidence.

This is the third time Ali had been denied bail after his arrest on July 1. The trial (magistrate) court had twice rejected his bail applications.

Judge Devidas, who had on Aug 20 reserved orders on the fresh bail plea, accepted the contention of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), investigating the case, that very serious allegations had been made against the senior police officer and most of the witnesses being his sub-ordinates, there was possibility of him tampering with evidences.

Besides, the Judge also took note of the CBI argument that the investigation was at a crucial stage and more information was forthcoming and being verified.