Chennai, 05 September (H.S.): DMK president M.K. Stalin and party deputy general secretary Kanimozhi on Saturday slammed the TVK government over vigilance raids on premises linked to former Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru, accusing the government of using investigating agencies to intimidate political opponents.

Stalin described the searches as politically motivated and asserted that neither Nehru nor the DMK would be intimidated by such action. He said the party would confront the proceedings through appropriate legal and political means.

Kanimozhi also strongly criticised the government, alleging that the raids were part of an attempt to target Opposition leaders instead of addressing issues affecting the people of Tamil Nadu. She said the DMK would not be cowed down by raids, threats or political pressure.

Their comments came after the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) launched simultaneous searches at 19 locations associated with Nehru, his brother K.N. Ravichandran and others in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli.

In Chennai, vigilance officials searched Nehru’s Alwarpet residence, Ravichandran’s house in R.A. Puram and an office linked to the latter in Adyar. Searches were also conducted at premises in Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur, Anna Nagar and Abhiramapuram.

DVAC teams also carried out an extensive search at Nehru’s Thillai Nagar residence in Tiruchirappalli. Police were deployed around the premises as DMK workers gathered outside and raised slogans against the government.

The investigation relates to allegations of irregularities in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department during Nehru’s tenure. Agencies are examining alleged manipulation in the award of contracts for road works, sanitation projects and other civic schemes, with transactions exceeding ₹1,000 crore reportedly under scrutiny.

Alleged irregularities involving recruitment to more than 2,500 posts, as well as transfers and postings, are also being investigated. Officials had not immediately disclosed whether cash, documents or other materials were seized during Saturday’s searches.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman