Anbumani demands CBI enquiry into procurement of transformers

PMK president Anbumani on Friday sought a CBI enquiry into the alleged irregularities in the procurement of transformers to the tune of ₹400 crore. The Department of Vigilance and Anti Corruption had failed to file a case despite a complaint submitted over 30 months ago alleging that transformers were bought at inflated prices, he said.

Mr. Anbumani further claimed that there was “sufficient evidence to hold the then Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji, former TNEB Chairman Rajesh Lakhoni, and Financial Controller V. Kasi as the primary persons responsible for the losses”.

In a statement, the PMK leader said, between 2021 and 2023, the Electricity Board purchased 45,800 transformers for ₹1,182 crore. “By purchasing each transformer at up to 50% above the actual price, the TNEB suffered a loss of ₹387 crore. Seeking a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of the High Court, the Arappor Iyakkam organisation filed a complaint with the DVAC on July 6, 2023. On September 27 last year, I also issued a report demanding a CBI inquiry into this scam. But the DMK government has not taken any action on this,” he said.

Mr. Anbumani added, “When the case came up for hearing on July 3 this year, the DVAC assured the court that a decision would be taken within a week or 10 days. But even after 135 days, nothing has transpired. Instead, when the case came up again on November 7, the DVAC claimed that a Public Interest Litigation petition had been filed on the same issue — a clear indication that the DMK government is deliberately delaying the registration of a case in the transformer procurement scam.”

“Between 2021 and 2023, tenders were called 10 times for purchase of transformers. In seven of these tender processes, a total of 37 companies participated. But miraculously — almost like the eighth wonder of the world — all these companies quoted the exact same price. All companies agreed to reduce the quoted amount by almost the same margin after negotiations,” Mr. Anbumani added.