DVAC Raids Former DMK Minister KN Nehru's Home in Massive Corruption Probe
DVAC raids KN Nehru's home over a massive MAWS corruption case involving a cash-for-jobs scam and contract irregularities.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has conducted searches at the Thillai Nagar residence of former DMK minister and party Principal Secretary, K N Nehru, in Tiruchirappalli. The action comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged high-level corruption within the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department.
The Allegations: Cash-for-Jobs and Contract Scams
The investigation centers on serious allegations of irregularities that reportedly occurred during Nehru's tenure as the minister in charge of the MAWS Department. According to the FIR, the scope of the alleged corruption is vast, involving recruitment, the allocation of contracts, and official transfers.
Key allegations in the case include:
- A Cash-for-Jobs Scandal: An alleged scam involving approximately Rs 888 crore, where money was reportedly collected from candidates in exchange for government employment.
- Contract Irregularities: Claims of corruption regarding the allocation of contracts worth around Rs 1,020 crore.
- Illegal Postings: Allegations of illegal transfers and postings within the department.
Court-Ordered Probe and Legal Action
The DVAC registered the case and initiated the probe following a direct mandate from the Madras High Court. The court directed the agency to investigate the allegations raised concerning the department's operations. Consequently, the agency has named K N Nehru, several of his relatives, and various officials in the case.
This is not the first time the agency has targeted the residence; the DVAC had previously conducted searches at the same Thillai Nagar premises on September 5.
Political Tension and DMK Response
The search operation sparked significant tension in Tiruchirappalli, with over 200 DMK cadres gathering outside Nehru's residence in a show of support. Former Tamil Nadu minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi also visited the residence while the vigilance department carried out its searches.
The DMK has strongly condemned the action, framing it as a political vendetta. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan claimed that the state government is using the vigilance department to punish Nehru for his vocal criticism of the administration.
"They will do anything. K Nehru has been vehemently attacking the government, so they wanted to punish him... This is a cheap attempt by this government," stated TKS Elangovan.
Elangovan further added that Nehru remains confident in his innocence, asserting that the searches were intentional and politically motivated, while noting that no evidence of wrongdoing has been made public.