DVAC searches premises linked to DMK MP C.N. Annadurai in Tiruvannamalai

Officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) carried out searches on Friday at properties linked to C.N. Annadurai, the DMK Member of Parliament from Tiruvannamalai.

The operation focused on the MP's residence at Vengaikaal village, close to the Office of the Collectorate in Tiruvannamalai. Teams drawn from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai, headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DVAC) Arul, began the searches at about 7 a.m. Annadurai, a two-time MP from the constituency, was present at his house while the search was under way.

Searches were also conducted at APU Constructions, a firm linked to the MP. The company has handled more than 50 road works and other contracts of the Highways Department.

The case traces back to a complaint filed with the DVAC headquarters in Chennai on August 13 by Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO. The complaint alleged that a large quantity of sand was illegally mined from the dry lake bed at Malappambadi village near Tiruvannamalai town, reportedly on the directions of former PWD and Highways Minister E.V. Velu, to prepare ground for a DMK public meeting held last year.

According to the complaint, the sand was mined to level an open stretch of 124.56 acres for the conference, which was attended by then Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and his son, former Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. The complainant claimed the sand theft caused a loss of about ₹8 crore to the State exchequer.

This is not the first probe touching the matter. In June this year, the DVAC searched educational institutions linked to Velu at Kilnachipattu village near Tiruvannamalai town on the Vellore-Thoothukudi High Road. In March 2023, the Income Tax Department conducted similar searches at several premises linked to Velu in Tiruvannamalai.