Chennai: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Tuesday conducted searches at 60 locations across Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of electricity board materials.
The case relates to purchases made for the power utility between 2021 and 2023, including aluminium conductors and other electrical equipment sourced from various firms operating in the state. Allegations have been raised that the procurement involved irregularities amounting to about ₹1,028 crore.
DVAC registered a case on June 30, 2026 under multiple sections. During preliminary inquiry, officials found that several bids submitted by firms were below the government’s final tender value.
Investigators also flagged that tenders were sought in the names of multiple companies using a common IP address, indicating possible coordination. Searches were carried out at the residences of power distribution corporation officials, other government employees, private individuals and supplier firms.
DVAC said key documents linked to the alleged malpractice, digital records related to bid submissions, and papers containing details of suspected shell entities were seized. Further investigation is under way.
