Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to submit a status report regarding the investigation into allegations of corruption against former AIADMK minister R Kamaraj. The case was brought before Justice A D Jagadish Chandira following a petition by Va Pugazhendi, a supporter of ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam.The petitioner alleges that during the previous AIADMK regime, after the passing of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the then Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Kamaraj, engaged in various “nefarious” activities. Among the allegations, it is claimed that he procured substandard quality masoor dal, which had been banned by Jayalalithaa. Furthermore, it is alleged that during the AIADMK regime led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, Kamaraj embezzled Rs. 350 crores of public funds by procuring various types of dal and oils at prices well above the market rate. It is also alleged that Kamaraj favored the Christy Group and rejected other bidders who offered lower prices during the tender process.
The petitioner’s concerns were initially brought to the attention of the DVAC in 2018, and in response, the DVAC stated that a detailed inquiry was registered regarding the complaint. However, the petitioner has pressed for an expedited investigation to reach a conclusion and take appropriate action against the former minister.
In response, the counsel for the DVAC informed the court that similar complaints have been filed against Kamaraj, and detailed inquiries have been initiated to address these allegations.
Following these submissions, the judge presiding over the case directed the DVAC to furnish a status report on the ongoing investigation and adjourned the hearing to November 15.