CHENNAI — Tamil Nadu Electricity and Law Minister Nirmal Kumar announced that multiple hard disks are missing from the state Secretariat. Kumar said, "Last month, it was reported that several hard disks had gone missing. Vigilance inquiries are underway, and the police are also conducting an investigation."
Police and vigilance investigators are examining the motive behind the theft, reviewing CCTV footage, and questioning departmental personnel. Kumar said, "Preliminary information suggests that employees working within the department may have been involved. They are being questioned, and further details will be disclosed once the investigation is completed."
"We have instructed that all documents at the Electricity Department headquarters be kept secure. Important documents and data stored on computers are being safeguarded. We have also directed officials to create backups of all records, including data related to contracts and contract employees," Kumar said.
"The police are investigating all related matters, including who was awarded contracts over the past five years. The full picture will emerge once the investigation is completed," Kumar said. Regarding the transformer corruption case, Kumar said, "The transformer corruption case took place during the period when Senthil Balaji was in charge. That matter is already under Central Bureau of Investigation jurisdiction. It would not be appropriate for me to make any comments while the inquiry is ongoing."
The Tamil Nadu state government assumed office less than one month ago and is currently implementing departmental reforms. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Department reports a debt of Rs 2 lakh crore. The department has a sanctioned workforce of approximately 1.4 lakh employees, with about 70,000 currently active. Kumar said, "No one can intimidate or threaten any government. Anyone found engaging in wrongdoing will face action."
No independent assessment of Nirmal Kumar’s claims was available.