Chennai , 29 July (H.S.):The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous searches at multiple premises linked to former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK MLA V. Senthilbalaji in Karur district as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities connected with the functioning of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The searches commenced at around 7 a.m., with teams of DVAC officials from different parts of the State fanning out across six locations associated with Senthilbalaji and his close associates. Police personnel were deployed at all the premises to maintain security and regulate access during the operation.

Among the locations searched were Senthilbalaji’s ancestral residence at Rameswarapatti near Karur, the house of his personal assistant at Moorthypalayam, the residence of a DMK union secretary at Koyampalli, and the office of the TASMAC District Manager. Officials also carried out searches at other premises believed to be linked to the investigation.

During the operation, DVAC officers questioned Senthilbalaji’s father, Velusamy, at the family residence in Rameswarapatti. Entry to the premises was restricted throughout the searches, with only authorised officials permitted inside.

According to sources, the searches form part of an ongoing probe into alleged malpractices in the procurement, distribution and sale of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) through TASMAC outlets during the previous DMK government. Investigators are examining documents, financial records and other materials that could help establish whether there were irregularities in the supply chain or revenue collection.

The latest action comes amid multiple investigations involving Senthilbalaji, who has faced scrutiny in connection with several corruption-related allegations in recent years. However, officials have not disclosed any details regarding evidence recovered during Wednesday’s searches.

The DVAC has not issued an official statement on the outcome of the raids, and further investigation is continuing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman