Former Minister E.V. Velu Appears Before Anti-Corruption Directorate in Highway Scam

Chennai, July 15: Former Tamil Nadu Highway Minister and DMK legislator E.V. Velu appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Wednesday. He was questioned regarding an alleged highway scam involving ₹3.23 crores during the previous DMK government’s tenure.

This investigation pertains to claims that ₹3.23 crores of government funds were fraudulently claimed for a road construction project in Karur district, which is alleged to have never been completed.

The DVAC has filed a case against E.V. Velu, who represents the Tiruvannamalai constituency, along with nine engineers from the highway department and another official. A total of 11 individuals have been named as accused in this case.

This matter is considered a crucial part of the investigation into alleged irregularities in road infrastructure projects initiated during the previous government.

Investigative agencies suspect that fake records and documents were used to claim payments for incomplete or non-existent work. As part of the investigation, DVAC officials conducted raids on approximately 20 locations associated with the accused on June 25, including Velu’s residence in Alwarpet, Chennai.

During the searches, investigators seized several documents and records believed to be connected to the case.

The seized materials are currently under examination to determine the extent of the alleged financial irregularities and the roles of those involved.

Following the raids, the anti-corruption agency summoned Velu for questioning on July 3. However, he did not appear before the investigators on the scheduled date.

His lawyers informed the agency that the former minister was receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore, which prevented his participation in the inquiry.

Subsequently, the case reached the Madras High Court, where Velu sought relief against the investigation. The High Court granted him interim relief from strict action but instructed him to fully cooperate with the investigation and appear before the DVAC on July 15.

In compliance with the court’s order, Velu arrived at the DVAC office in Chennai on Tuesday and presented himself for questioning.

Officials are expected to inquire about the alleged road project work, the approval process for expenses, and the documents seized during the raid. The DVAC’s investigation is ongoing, and further actions will be determined based on the questioning and the evidence collected.