TN Electricity Board Hard Disk Theft Probe Widens

• 18 hard disks reported stolen from TNEB headquarters in Chennai
• Police secure several suspects and launch wider investigation
• Minister says critical data remains safe due to backup systems
• Probe also focuses on possible involvement of department staff

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 5th June: The investigation into the theft of 18 hard disks from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) headquarters has intensified, with police securing several suspects and probing the possible involvement of department employees in the case.

Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Thursday confirmed the theft and said police teams were actively pursuing leads, including operations outside the state.

According to the Minister, investigators are examining whether any staff members were involved in the disappearance of the hard disks and missing data. He added that a police team had travelled to Bengaluru to apprehend individuals suspected of having links to the case.

Sources said a temporary contract employee working at the TNEB headquarters has been taken into custody by the Chintadripet police in connection with the theft, which is believed to have occurred between May 16 and May 17.

Nirmal Kumar assured the public that critical information, including tender-related records, had not been permanently lost as backup copies of the data were available.

“Efforts are underway to recover the missing data, and essential records remain secure through backup systems,” the Minister said.

Addressing broader issues within the electricity department, Nirmal Kumar alleged irregularities in transformer procurement during the tenure of former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji. He claimed that contracts were awarded at rates higher than prevailing market prices and said the government would introduce reforms to improve transparency in tender processes.

The Minister announced plans to implement a revised tender estimation policy based on market and manufacturer rates. He also said a dedicated online platform for solar power project applications would be launched to eliminate middlemen and streamline approvals.

On electricity supply, the Minister stated that the department would begin publishing details of major power outages, including affected areas and reasons for disruptions, to improve public communication.

Responding to questions on Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery River, Nirmal Kumar said the Tamil Nadu government was taking legal steps to prevent what it considers an unauthorised project. He also accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of attempting to create inter-state tensions over the Cauvery issue for political purposes.

Police officials said the investigation into the hard disk theft is continuing and further arrests may follow as evidence is examined.