Chennai, 08 January (H.S.): The Tamil Nadu Government has officially directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to launch a detailed inquiry into serious corruption allegations involving the Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply, K N NEHRU.
The state’s action follows two formal communications sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which leveled allegations of widespread graft and tender manipulation within the department.
According to official reports, the DVAC has initiated a preliminary probe based on a 258-page dossier submitted by the central agency to the Director-General of Police and the Chief Secretary. The investigation aims to verify the claims of financial irregularities and establish if there is a prima facie case for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
The ED’s allegations center on a suspected tender rigging racket involving bribes estimated at approximately RS 1,020 crore. The central agency claimed that kickbacks ranging from 7.5 to 10 percent were collected from various contractors in exchange for government projects, including the construction of public toilets and water-related works.
Responding to these charges, Minister K N NEHRU issued a statement firmly denying the allegations, characterizing the probe as a politically motivated attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to defame the state government.
He emphasized that the achievements of his ministry are being targeted by the opposition and stated that he would face all legal challenges as per the law.
The DVAC is currently reviewing the digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats and financial spreadsheets, to conclude the inquiry and determine the next steps in the legal process.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
