The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted searches at various properties associated with former Public Works and Highways Minister E.V. Velu. This action is part of an investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets and suspected irregularities in government contract awards during the previous DMK regime.
Officials are conducting simultaneous raids at Velu’s residences in Chennai’s Alwarpet and his hometown district of Tiruvannamalai. The searches encompass 13 locations connected to the senior DMK leader.
Velu, presently serving as the DMK’s Chief Whip in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, previously oversaw the crucial Public Works and Highways portfolios. These departments were responsible for overseeing significant infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and public buildings.
The anti-corruption measures stem from recent claims by a group of contractors who alleged being coerced into paying bribes to secure contracts from the Public Works and Highways Department during the prior administration. These contractors publicly accused the department, leading to calls for a thorough investigation into the tendering process.
The ongoing searches are reportedly part of a preliminary inquiry into allegations that Velu accumulated assets beyond his known income sources while serving as a minister. Investigators are scrutinizing financial records, property documents, and other materials to determine if any irregularities occurred in the contract award process.
No official statement has been released by authorities yet, detailing the evidence gathered or the specific offenses under investigation. The searches are ongoing as of the latest update.
The raids hold political significance, occurring shortly after the change in government in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had recently emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, vowing strict action against those involved in graft, regardless of political affiliations.
These searches are expected to escalate the political tensions between the ruling TVK government and the opposition DMK, which has consistently refuted corruption allegations against its members. The investigation’s outcome is anticipated to draw close attention, with potential legal and political developments in the near future.
