TN govt cancels Adani-linked smart meter tender over high costs
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has canceled a global tender for procuring smart meters, previously awarded to Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), citing the high cost quoted by the company.
Issued in August 2023 under the central government's revamped distribution sector scheme, the tender was divided into four packages. AESL, a BSE-listed company, emerged as the lowest bidder for Package 1, which involved installing over 82 lakh smart meters across eight districts, including Chennai.
On December 27, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government announced the cancellation of the tender for all four packages. While the cost factor was highlighted as the primary reason for rejecting AESL's bid, details regarding the cancellation of the other packages were not disclosed.
The decision comes amid ongoing allegations against Gautam Adani, the promoter of the Adani Group, accused of paying over USD 250 million (approximately Rs 2,100 crore) in bribes for favorable solar power contracts. Adani Group has denied the allegations, even as US prosecutors proceed with indictments in the case.
TANGEDCO is expected to reissue a tender for the smart meter project in the near future.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Air hostess loses Rs 10 lakh to cyber fraudsters who threatened arrest for 'money laundering'
Thane (PTI): A 24-year-old air hostess from Thane district of Maharashtra fell prey to cyber fraud wherein she was forced to transfer around Rs 10 lakh to avoid "arrest" for "laundering money", an official said on Saturday.
The air hostess, who lives in Kalyan, received calls from unidentified phone numbers on November 23, 2024, who told her that a parcel sent by her had not reached its destination in Iran.
When the victim informed the caller that she had not dispatched any parcel, the caller told her on a video call that her name had figured in a money laundering case and threatened arrest, a police official said.
The caller then sent certain links on her mobile number and forced her to transfer Rs 9.93 lakh before hanging up.
The woman realised that she had been cheated and approached the police.
The police official said the phone number location showed "overseas". An FIR has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
No arrest has been made so far.
