Chennai, Apr 25:
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai on Friday released photographs and CCTV footage, claiming they substantiate his allegation that the Income Tax Department conducted raids linked to him ahead of the Assembly elections — a charge the department has firmly denied.
Addressing reporters at Sathyamurthi Bhavan, Selvaperunthagai alleged that the searches were politically motivated and aimed at disrupting the Congress party’s campaign in the state. He claimed the action prevented him from participating in campaign events alongside senior leader Rahul Gandhi.
The TNCC chief said officials had carried out searches at the residence of Padappai Manoharan, a DMK functionary who had been overseeing his election-related work. He further alleged that CCTV cameras at the premises were switched off before the inspection and that no incriminating material was recovered during the exercise.
Selvaperunthagai questioned the neutrality of the alleged action, asking whether similar raids had been conducted against candidates of the NDA. He demanded that the Income Tax Department release a white paper detailing the number of searches carried out on opposition leaders versus ruling alliance candidates, along with the outcomes.
He also accused officials of seizing mobile phones and intimidating those present at the premises, while later denying that any such operation had taken place.
According to him, multiple vehicles surrounded the residence and officials entered the house to conduct checks, but subsequently maintained that no raid had occurred.
Highlighting the timing of the incident, he described it as an attempt to create fear during the election period. He said the CCTV footage, which he has now made public, was withheld earlier to avoid being dismissed as an election stunt.
Calling for accountability, the TNCC leader urged action against officials who, he alleged, had misrepresented facts. He added that the episode raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and city police against Selvaperunthagai, accusing him of spreading false information. The department has reiterated that no raids were conducted on properties linked to him, setting the stage for a sharp political and legal confrontation.