Chennai: Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Wednesday searched 60 locations across Tamil Nadu as part of its probe into suspected cartelisation and irregularities in TANGEDCO’s procurement of more than 2.07 lakh km of aluminium conductors between 2021 and 2023.The searches covered the residences of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) officials and other public servants, besides offices and premises linked to private individuals, bidders and aluminium conductor manufacturers. DVAC said it seized tender-related documents, digital evidence, other materials relevant to the investigation and details of suspected shell companies.In Chennai, DVAC teams searched four locations in Perungudi, three in Anna Nagar and a few locations in Tiruvallur and Chengalpet district.The case stems from a discreet enquiry conducted by DVAC based on documents forwarded by TNEB’s Managing Director. The enquiry found prima facie evidence of cognisable offences, following which DVAC registered a case at its headquarters on June 30.The FIR names unknown officials of TANGEDCO/TNPDCL, other public servants and private individuals and bidders. Investigators suspect that officials colluded with suppliers and misused their positions in the procurement process, causing a substantial loss to the state exchequer.According to DVAC, its preliminary enquiry found that multiple suppliers had quoted identical or similar rates in the tenders. Investigators also found that tender documents of different bidders had been uploaded from a common IP address, raising suspicion of cartelisation.The agency also found that the final rates quoted in the tenders were higher than prices available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and rates in comparable procurement transactions during the same period.The procurement under scrutiny involved 2,07,495 km of aluminium conductors purchased between 2021 and 2023.The case has been registered on the charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust. Further investigation is under way.
