By South Matters Tamil Nadu Desk | Tamil Nadu
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started a formal investigation into the TANGEDCO Scam involving transformer purchases worth more than ₹1,182 crore.
The case relates to the purchase of 45,800 distribution transformers by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation between 2021 and 2023.
According to complaints, officials and contractors may have worked together during the bidding process. As a result, the state may have suffered a financial loss of nearly ₹397 crore.
What Are The Allegations?
The complaints claim that several companies submitted similar quotations during the tender process. Investigators suspect that bidders coordinated their offers instead of competing fairly.
Furthermore, the complaints allege that some technical specifications increased project costs. Therefore, authorities are examining whether public money was spent properly.
The CBI will now review tender documents, financial records, and procurement files linked to the purchases.
How Did The Probe Begin?
The issue first reached the courts after anti-corruption groups raised concerns about the transformer contracts.
Later, the Madras High Court directed authorities to conduct an independent inquiry. The matter then reached the Supreme Court of India, which allowed the investigation to continue.
As a result, the CBI has now registered an FIR and begun collecting evidence.
CBI Starts Detailed Investigation
The FIR names unknown TANGEDCO officials and contractors. However, investigators may identify specific individuals after reviewing records.
Additionally, officials will examine pricing details, bidding procedures, and communication between participating companies.
The agency will also check whether procurement rules were followed at every stage.
TANGEDCO Responds
TANGEDCO has previously denied wrongdoing. The corporation has maintained that it followed established procedures while awarding contracts.
However, the CBI probe will determine whether any violations occurred.
Meanwhile, political parties and anti-corruption activists are closely watching the investigation. They have demanded transparency and accountability.
The findings of the investigation could have a major impact on one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest public sector procurement cases in recent years.