There was no corruption in the purchase of transformers worth Rs 397 crore: Danjetco’s counter petition
Tamil Nadu: In its response, TANGEDCO stated that the claim of ₹397 crore worth of corruption in the purchase of power converters is based on speculation.
Arapo Andolan coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan filed a petition in the Chennai High Court alleging corruption of approximately ₹397 crore in the purchase of 45,800 transformers in Tamil Nadu between 2021 and 2023. He stated that there was evidence against then-Power Minister Senthil Balaji and TANGEDCO Chairman Rajesh Lakhani. He demanded that a case be filed regarding the irregularities and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be ordered to investigate under the supervision of the High Court. Two other individuals, including AIADMK executive Saravanan, also filed petitions with the same request.
The matter came up for hearing on Tuesday before a bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arulmurugan. At that time, a counter-petition was filed by the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation, the Tender Acceptance Commission, and the Tender Review Committee.
The petitioners’ allegations of corruption in the purchase of transformers, resulting in losses, are baseless. These allegations are false. These petitions have been filed without a full understanding of the procurement procedures outlined in the tender to defame them. The petitioners have raised this issue to tarnish the transparent functioning of DANJETCO. The tender was finalized and approved only after various stages of evaluation. No single officer finalized the tender. Negotiations were held with the participating companies, and the price was reduced from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000, and only then were the transformers purchased. This saved crores of rupees.
In this context, the claim of corruption amounting to ₹397 crore is based on conjecture. There is no evidence to support this allegation. It was stated that Tangedco is providing all documents and full cooperation with the anti-corruption police investigation into the tender.
The judges hearing the case subsequently adjourned the hearing until March 17.
