Chennai , 25 June (H.S.):The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday launched coordinated searches at multiple premises linked to former Tamil Nadu minister and senior DMK leader E.V. Velu in connection with an investigation into alleged disproportionate assets. The raids were conducted at properties in Chennai and Tiruvannamalai, with officials searching a total of 13 locations associated with the former minister.
Velu, who currently serves as the DMK's Chief Whip in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, was the Public Works and Highways Minister in the previous government. Officials are examining documents and financial records as part of the probe into allegations that he accumulated assets beyond his known sources of income during his tenure in office.
The searches come against the backdrop of recent allegations made by several contractors, who claimed they were forced to pay bribes to secure contracts in the Public Works and Highways departments under the previous administration. Those claims, made publicly in recent interviews, triggered demands for a detailed investigation into the awarding of government contracts.
According to sources, the raids are focused on gathering documentary evidence relating to the allegations. Teams of DVAC officials simultaneously searched Velu's premises in Chennai's Alwarpet and several properties in Tiruvannamalai district.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the evidence recovered or whether any case has been formally registered following the searches. The operation was continuing at the time of filing this report.
The action assumes political significance as it comes shortly after the change of government in Tamil Nadu. During the recent Assembly session, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had reiterated his government's commitment to taking stringent action against corruption and ensuring accountability in public administration.
The developments are expected to heighten political tensions between the ruling TVK government and the opposition DMK. Meanwhile, officials indicated that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the material collected during the searches.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
