Transformer scam case against Senthil Balaji transferred to CBI

The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged irregularities in the procurement of transformers for the Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation between 2021 and 2023.
The case pertains to the purchase of around 45,000 transformers, with allegations of corruption to the tune of Rs. 397 crore in the tender process.
The issue was brought before the court through public interest litigations filed by E. Saravanan, Deputy Secretary of the AIADMK Lawyers’ Wing, and the Arappor
Iyakkam.
The petitions sought a fair investigation into the alleged scam and requested transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Complaints had also been lodged with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard the matter. During the proceedings, counsel for former minister Senthil Balaji submitted that he had no role in awarding contracts related to transformer
procurement. After hearing arguments from all sides, the court reserved its verdict earlier this month.
Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, the bench directed that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The court also instructed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to transfer all relevant documents to the central agency within two weeks.
Further, the Tamil Nadu government and the power utility were directed to extend full cooperation to the CBI during the course of the investigation.