EV Velu and son booked for illegal lake-bed excavation

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against former Minister and Tiruvannamalai MLA EV Velu, his son EV Kumaran, and several others for the unauthorized excavation of lake-bed material. The investigation follows a complaint from the group Arappor Iyakkam.

The FIR alleges that between November and early December 2025, soil and gravel were illegally excavated from Malappambadi Lake to level land for a DMK Northern Zone Youth Wing conference held at Kalaignar Thidal. The conference venue, spanning approximately 124.56 acres, is owned by Arunai Products and Services, a company where Kumaran serves as a director.

Authorities stated that the 70.65-acre lake was not included in official district notifications permitting the removal of silt or gravel. No permissions were obtained from the Revenue, Corporation, or Geology and Mining Departments for the activity. This marks the second case registered against Velu by the DVAC within a four-month period.