TN Vigilance searches 19 locations linked to KN Nehru, brother over corruption allegation

The searches are reportedly linked to allegations of irregularities and corruption in the award of government contracts under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) is conducting simultaneous searches at 19 locations across Tamil Nadu linked to former Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister KN Nehru and his brother KN Ravichandran.

The searches began early Saturday morning and are being carried out at more than 10 locations in Chennai, including premises in Alwarpet, RA Puram, Adyar, Thiruvanmiyur and Anna Nagar, besides locations in Tiruchirappalli and other parts of the state.

Among the premises being searched are KN Nehru’s residence in Alwarpet, his brother Ravichandran’s residence in RA Puram and an office associated with Ravichandran.

The searches are reportedly linked to allegations of irregularities and corruption in the award of government contracts under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, including allegations concerning the collection of money in the name of party funds.

The action follows allegations earlier raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning tender-related irregularities and alleged financial transactions involving Nehru, his brother and persons associated with them.

In a letter sent to the Tamil Nadu DGP and other senior officials last December, the ED had reportedly alleged irregularities in contracts relating to housing for sanitation workers, road works, NABARD projects and engaging sanitation workers on a contract basis.

The ED had alleged that bribes were collected in connection with the awarding of contracts, with the alleged payments ranging from 7.5% to 10% of the contract value. It had estimated the alleged bribe and party-fund transactions at around ₹1,020 crore, and said supporting documents had been submitted.

The ED’s letter had subsequently surfaced on social media, triggering controversy. The agency also approached the court over the disclosure of the letter, while an investigation by the CB-CID into the leak remains pending.

The latest DVAC searches are part of the investigation into the allegations. Further details regarding documents or other materials seized during the searches are awaited.…Read more by South First Desk