Chennai, August 17: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has issued a lookout circular against Ritesh Raj Shanmugavel in connection with significant irregularities at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). Seven individuals have been named as accused in this case.
Concerns have arisen that Ritesh Raj, the brother of an IPS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, may flee the country to evade arrest. This has prompted authorities to exercise caution. The DVAC registered a case in July regarding alleged irregularities that occurred between 2021 and 2025 when former minister V. Senthil Balaji oversaw the Prohibition and Excise Department.
The allegations include manipulation related to bar license tenders, transport contracts, approval of liquor brands, and transactions involving distilleries, breweries, and bottling companies. Senthil Balaji, one of the accused, has obtained anticipatory bail, while he and the others have denied the charges.
The FIR filed by the DVAC describes Ritesh Raj as an “unauthorized power broker.” He is accused of exerting undue influence over critical administrative and business decisions at TASMAC. Investigators allege that he affected matters such as liquor brand approvals, bar licensing, and the transfers of officials, including the then-managing director of TASMAC.
The agency is investigating his alleged role and connections with other accused individuals. At least two people have already been arrested in connection with the investigation, including Mulanur Karthik, who is suspected of leading a group based in Karur that allegedly collected money from bar owners under the guise of “party funds.”
According to the DVAC, a network of bar operators, intermediaries, and proxy bidders manipulated tender processes. Allegations suggest that demand drafts were misused to control bids, while transportation contracts for TASMAC depots were reportedly awarded to favored companies.
The agency also claims that inflated or fraudulent transactions were conducted through suppliers and distilleries, with some of the profits allegedly funneled as illegal kickbacks. Shortly after filing the case, DVAC teams conducted searches at over 40 locations across Tamil Nadu. The agency has claimed to have seized documents and electronic materials related to the investigation.
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