Chennai: The Tamilnadu government has announced that Environment and Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu will hold the additional charge as chairperson of the Tamilnadu Pollution ControlĀ Board (TNPCB).
An order to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu placing Sahu in full additional charge of the post of TNPCB chairperson with immediate effect and until further orders.
She replaces A V Venkatachalam, whose premises were raided following charges of ammassment of wealth.
Sahu was appointed to the post three days after the officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) raided five places owned by former TNPCB chairman A V Venkatachalam after booking him on charges of ‘criminal misconduct’ and ‘criminal misappropriation’.
The raids at Chennai and Salem resulted in seizure of Rs 13.5 lakh in cash, gold jewellery weighing 6.5 kg, besides silver jewellery and other incriminating documents.
‘Around ten kg of sandalwood articles and pieces were also seized from his residence during the raids,’ DVAC officials said.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) police has registered a case against Venkatachalam on charges of criminal misconduct and misappropriation.
The DVAC teams conducted raids at the premises of Venkatachalam following reports that he had amassed weather disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Searches were conducted at the TNCPB office here and at several places in the city and other places, sources said and added that valuables and documents were seized.