Ex-DMK Minister E.V. Velu Raided in TN Corruption Probe!
Ex-DMK Minister E.V. Velu Raided in TN Corruption Probe!
Big corruption crackdown in Tamil Nadu! Former DMK Minister E.V. Velu and others face DVAC raids over alleged unexecuted highway works. Details inside this explosive report!
In a significant development signalling a major anti-corruption drive, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched simultaneous raids on the premises of former State Highways Minister E.V. Velu, along with several officials and contractors. These actions are part of an alleged corruption case that has sent ripples through Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
The case stems from a 2022 complaint filed by Jayaram Venkatesan of Arappor Iyakkam, a prominent NGO dedicated to fighting corruption. The DVAC has booked Mr. Velu, officials from the Highways Department, and a contractor under serious charges including criminal conspiracy, forgery, cheating, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The State government reportedly granted permission for the case on June 23, 2026, a date which has raised some eyebrows given the timeline of the initial complaint.
At the heart of the allegations are claims that several crores of rupees were paid to contractors in various divisions of the State Highways Department in March 2022 for road works that were never actually executed. This alleged misuse of public funds and abuse of power supposedly occurred in collusion between department officials and a select group of contractors. The complainant specifically highlighted rampant corruption and mismanagement within the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme.
A stark example provided is from the Tiruppur circle, where out of a sanctioned amount of ₹4.19 crore for road widening and improvement, a staggering ₹3.23 crore was allegedly paid without any physical work being done on the ground. This isn't the first time these allegations have surfaced; a complaint by former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar on April 5, 2022, had previously led to the suspension of four officials.
Adding to the controversy, the complaint further alleges that despite a Superintending Engineer's report confirming payments for unlaid roads, criminal action was not pursued. Instead, a large police contingent was reportedly deployed on the night of April 8, 2022, to provide security for contractors to hastily lay the roads. Reacting to the ongoing searches, DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that Mr. Velu is fully cooperating with the investigation.
