15 hrs ago
Tamil Nadu Transfers Tambaram Commissioner Over Tender Allegations
The Tamil Nadu government is investigating possible problems with two city contracts in Tambaram.
A group called Arappor Iyakkam said the projects were finished before companies had finished submitting their bids.
This made the group suspect that the contracts had already been decided.
The government moved the city commissioner to another post and suspended an assistant engineer.
The commissioner was also placed under compulsory wait while the investigation continues.
Officials said that no work order was issued and no government money was spent on the projects.
The DMK wants a separate anti-corruption investigation.
The ruling TVK says anyone found guilty will face action.
The Tamil Nadu government transferred the Tambaram Corporation Commissioner and placed him under compulsory wait.
The action followed complaints alleging irregularities in two municipal contracts worth about Rs 45 lakh.
Arappor Iyakkam said the works were completed and inaugurated before the tender-submission deadline.
An Assistant Executive Engineer was also suspended, and the Director of Municipal Administration was ordered to investigate.
The government said no work order was issued and no public funds were spent, while the DMK demanded a DVAC probe.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu government, Tambaram Corporation officials, Arappor Iyakkam, the DMK and the ruling TVK are involved.
- What
- The Tambaram Corporation Commissioner was transferred and placed under compulsory wait, an Assistant Executive Engineer was suspended, and an inquiry was ordered into alleged tender irregularities.
- Where
- Tambaram Corporation, Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The actions followed complaints by Arappor Iyakkam; no specific date is stated.
- Why
- The complaints alleged that two works were completed and inaugurated before the tender-submission deadline, suggesting the tender process may have been predetermined.
Complainants and Opposition
Government and Ruling Party
Validity of the tender process
Complainants and Opposition
Arappor Iyakkam alleged that the works were completed and inaugurated before the tender-submission deadline, making the tender process a formality for selected contractors.
Government and Ruling Party
The government acknowledged prima facie procedural irregularities but said no work order was issued and no government funds were spent on the works.
Responsibility and investigation
Complainants and Opposition
Arappor Iyakkam Convenor Jayaram Venkatesan alleged that the contract was predetermined and that the contractor and commissioner were complicit; the DMK demanded a DVAC probe.
Government and Ruling Party
The government ordered an inquiry by the Director of Municipal Administration, transferred the commissioner, suspended an Assistant Executive Engineer and promised action against anyone found responsible.
Political significance
Complainants and Opposition
The DMK mocked the process and portrayed it as a case of tenders being called after work had already been completed.
Government and Ruling Party
TVK spokesperson Dr M Sathyakumar said the episode demonstrated Chief Minister Vijay's commitment to fighting corruption and said anyone guilty, including officials connected to the projects, would be investigated.
Key facts
- Works under complaint
- Two municipal works
- Reported value
- About Rs 45 lakh in total
- Primary complainant
- Arappor Iyakkam
- Inquiry authority
- Director of Municipal Administration
- Administrative action
- Tambaram Commissioner transferred and placed under compulsory wait
- Additional action
- An Assistant Executive Engineer suspended
- Government position
- No work order was issued and no government funds were spent
- Political demand
- The DMK called for a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption probe
Quotes
Jayaram Venkatesan
Convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, an organisation campaigning against corruption
“This will not be an embarrassment ahead of the bye-elections but underscores Chief Minister Vijay's commitment to eradicate corruption.”
NDTV
“They have already prefixed the contract and tender was a sham to pay. The contractor and the commissioner are all complicit.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Tamil Nadu Tender Row Over Works Inaugurated Before Bids
Vijay’s Proposed Chennai Office Move Sparks Tender Controversy
AIADMK Alleges Tender Irregularities Under TVK-Led Tamil Nadu Government
Dhinakaran questions tender process for relocating Tamil Nadu CM's office
Vijay Accuses DMK of Contractor Bribery in Assembly
Tamil Nadu lawmakers clash over Chief Minister's office shift tender
Jason Sanjay Says Vijay Will Skip Sigma Promotions
TVK Cancels Vijay’s London Meet-and-Greet Over Safety Concerns
Ambika Urges Caution After Vijay-Trisha Silverstone Appearance and Public Debate
Key Accused in Vijay Deepfake Scam Arrested Rajasthan
