DVAC searches 60 locations in Tamil Nadu over alleged Rs 1,028-crore Tangedco conductor procurement irregularities

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted searches at 60 locations across Tamil Nadu on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of 2,07,495 km of aluminium conductors by Tangedco/TNPDCL.

The searches covered the residences of TNPDCL officials, other public servants, private individuals, aluminium conductor manufacturing companies and offices of bidders. Tender-related documents, digital evidence, other incriminating materials and details of shell companies were seized.

According to the DVAC, multiple suppliers had quoted identical or similar rates, while tender documents were uploaded from a common IP address, indicating possible cartelisation in the tender process.

Earlier, Minister for Energy CTR Nirmal Kumar had said during the release of the white paper for TNEB in June this year that the department had identified alleged irregularities amounting to about Rs 1,028 crore in nine tenders pertaining to conductor procurement.