Chennai, July 29:
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted widespread searches at 41 locations across Tamil Nadu in connection with alleged irregularities in liquor procurement for TASMAC outlets.
According to sources, the raids are linked to allegations that party funds were involved in the purchase of liquor supplied to state-run TASMAC shops. The searches are being carried out in multiple districts, including Karur, Chennai, and Pudukkottai, covering premises associated with officials and related entities.
In Karur, vigilance officials conducted searches at six locations, including the residence of former minister Senthil Balaji and properties belonging to his associates. In Chennai, raids are underway at a liquor-related establishment on Thanikachalam Road in T. Nagar.
Simultaneously, inspections are being carried out at several locations in Coimbatore district, including TASMAC warehouses and liquor manufacturing units in Peelamedu, Pollachi, Narasimhanaickenpalayam, and Navakarai.
Officials are also conducting searches at a liquor factory in Mannargudi reportedly linked to DMK MP T.R. Baalu.
In Pudukkottai district, a private liquor manufacturing unit in Kallakottai near Gandarvakottai has also come under scrutiny. More than 600 employees at the facility were given leave for the day as the raid began early in the morning.
Over 20 trucks that had arrived to transport liquor bottles were held back at the premises during the ongoing inspection.
Heavy police security has been deployed at the locations to ensure smooth conduct of the raids.
Officials said the searches are part of an ongoing investigation and further details are expected once the process is completed.
It may be recalled that Senthilbalaji
faces major allegations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding an alleged ₹1,000 crore financial irregularity and tender manipulation within TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation), the state-run liquor monopoly.