Former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister and DMK MLA, E.V. Velu faced questioning by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) regarding an alleged ₹3.23-crore highway fraud case from his time in the previous DMK government. The investigation centers on accusations of fraudulent claims for a road construction project in Karur district that was reportedly never executed.
The DVAC has filed a case against Velu, along with nine Highways Department engineers and another official, bringing the total number of accused to 11. This case is a significant development in the probe into suspected irregularities in road infrastructure projects undertaken during the prior administration.
Investigators suspect the use of false records and fabricated documentation to process payments for incomplete or non-existent work. Following extensive searches at around 20 locations linked to the accused, including Velu’s residence in Alwarpet, Chennai, officials seized relevant documents and records for examination.
Velu, who initially missed a summons due to medical treatment in Singapore, appeared before the DVAC as directed by the Madras High Court. He is expected to be questioned on the alleged road project’s execution, expenditure approval process, and the seized documents. The DVAC’s investigation continues, with further actions pending the interrogation’s outcomes and evidence scrutiny.
