Dasmak liquor fraud arrests intensify in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested two individuals in connection with a multi‑crore fraud alleged to have taken place at the state‑run Dasmak liquor company between 2021 and 2025. The investigation, launched after complaints of irregularities in procurement, tender allocation and administrative actions, initially named former minister Senthil Balaji, former Dasmak managing director S. Vignesh, and several senior officials. Police conducted raids at 45 locations across Tamil Nadu, seizing key documents, electronic evidence and bank transaction records.

Following the arrests, officials said they are pursuing additional suspects linked to the scheme, including individuals associated with bottling firms and licensed transport companies. The Supreme Court has granted former minister Balaji a pre‑trial bail, imposing conditions that he cooperate fully with investigators and refrain from influencing witnesses. The bureau emphasized that the probe will continue without bias against any party involved.