CHENNAI:
Seuths from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday conducted searches at more than 20 premises across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Tiruchy, linked to former DMK minister K N Nehru in connection with an alleged ₹634-crore cash-for-jobs scam.
The searches come days after the Madras High Court cleared the way for the anti-corruption agency to proceed with its investigation into allegations of irregularities in recruitment to government posts during the previous DMK regime, when Nehru headed the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.
The case centres on allegations that money was collected from candidates in exchange for appointments to government posts. The alleged scam involves recruitment irregularities and suspected financial transactions linked to the former minister and others associated with the department.
The High Court’s order paved the way for the DVAC to pursue the investigation after legal challenges were raised in connection with the case. The agency has now intensified its probe by carrying out searches at multiple locations linked to Nehru.
Officials are expected to examine documents, financial records and other materials that could help establish the alleged transactions and identify those involved. The searches are also aimed at gathering evidence relevant to the recruitment process and the suspected movement of money.
The operation covers more than 20 premises in different parts of the State, with Chennai and Tiruchy among the locations. However, officials had not immediately disclosed the complete list of premises searched or the materials seized.
The case has attracted considerable political attention because of the scale of the alleged scam and the position held by Nehru during the period under investigation. The latest searches mark a significant step in the agency’s efforts to collect evidence following the High Court’s order.
The allegations against Nehru and others remain subject to investigation. The searches do not by themselves establish guilt, and the findings of the DVAC probe will determine the further course of action.