Published Aug 19, 2026 | 3:08 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 19, 2026 | 3:08 PM
Former Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on August 18 conducted searches at 51 locations across Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of aluminium conductors and other materials used by the Electricity Department during the tenure of the previous DMK-led government.
The searches are reportedly focused on officials of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and other individuals associated with the procurement process. DVAC teams are examining documents, financial records and other material that could shed light on the alleged irregularities in the award of contracts and related financial transactions.
In Chennai, DVAC officials are conducting searches at the residence of Kasi, an associate of former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji. Kasi is reportedly known to have worked as an assistant to Balaji while he was in charge of the Electricity Department.
DVAC officials have begun searches at Kasi’s residence on Venkataraman Street in Teynampet, which was earlier in 2024 raided by the Income Tax Department, in connection with a separate case.
The action stems from allegations concerning the procurement of aluminium conductors and other materials by the Electricity Department during the DMK-led government.
Investigators are examining whether there were irregularities in the procurement process, including the manner in which contracts were awarded and whether financial transactions were made in connection with the contracts.
DVAC officials have been collecting documents and examining financial transactions as part of the investigation. The agency is expected to scrutinise records relating to the procurement process and the individuals and entities involved in the contracts. Further details about the nature of the alleged irregularities, the contracts under scrutiny and the individuals who may be named in the case are expected to emerge after the searches are completed.
Though details regarding the extent of the alleged irregularities are yet to be known, while releasing the White Paper related to the Electricity Department in June this year, Minister R Nirmalkumar claimed that the government had detected irregularities worth about Rs 1,028 crore in nine conductor procurement tenders floated during the DMK regime.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
