The ruling TVK has repeatedly accused Senthilbalaji of irregularities in TASMAC
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Tuesday conducted searches at 41 locations across Tamil Nadu as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities and misappropriation in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).
The raids included the residence of former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK MLA V Senthil Balaji in Karur, along with the premises of several of his associates. DVAC officials also questioned Senthil Balaji at a private hotel in Chennai, where he is currently staying.
Complaint registered over alleged TASMAC irregularities
The searches follow the registration of a complaint by the DVAC against Senthilbalaji, a former Managing Director of TASMAC, and several officials of the state-run liquor retailer over alleged financial irregularities and malpractice.
Senthilbalaji had served as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Prohibition and Excise in the previous DMK government, a portfolio under which TASMAC functions.
Raids span multiple districts
As part of the investigation, DVAC teams also searched the premises of Golden Vats Pvt. Ltd., a liquor manufacturing company in Tiruvarur that investigators allege is linked to DMK MP T.R. Baalu.
Search operations were carried out across Chennai, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Karur, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Namakkal, Tiruppur, Erode, The Nilgiris, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Sivaganga.
Officials are examining documents and financial records as part of the ongoing probe.
Political row over TASMAC allegations
The alleged irregularities have triggered a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu.
The ruling TVK has repeatedly accused Senthil Balaji of corruption in TASMAC operations. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had earlier alleged that the purported irregularities amounted to a “party fund.”
The DMK has rejected the allegations and denied any wrongdoing.
The DVAC investigation is continuing, and officials are expected to scrutinise financial transactions and other evidence collected during the searches.
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