The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized ₹13.7 crore in cash, along with documents and a computer hard disk, during searches at Kingston Engineering College in Vellore, owned by DMK MP Kathir Anand. Anand, a second-time MP and son of senior DMK leader and minister Duraimurugan, serves as the college chairman.The ED’s operation, conducted by over 15 officials, lasted 44 hours and involved checking CCTV footage, scrutinizing financial documents, and recovering unaccounted cash. The seized money reportedly included student fees and funds meant for salaries and Pongal festival bonuses for staff. The ED also sealed the college’s server room after confiscating ₹2.74 crore and hard disks.
The searches were linked to a 2019 Income Tax case against Kathir Anand over allegations of cash-for-votes during the Lok Sabha elections. In that case, over ₹10 crore was reportedly seized from Anand’s associates, leading to the cancellation of elections in the Vellore constituency.
The ED’s investigation continues, focusing on financial irregularities and alleged misuse of funds.