Tamil Nadu DVAC raids premises of former minister K.N. Nehru

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted extensive searches on Thursday at approximately 25 locations across Tamil Nadu linked to former Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister K.N. Nehru. The raids targeted his residence in Thillai Nagar, Tiruchirappalli, as well as properties in Chennai belonging to his brother, K.N. Ravichandran, and other relatives.

The investigation centers on an alleged ₹634-crore cash-for-jobs scam involving the recruitment of 2,538 officials, including engineers, during Nehru’s tenure. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) previously alleged that candidates were required to pay between ₹25 lakh and ₹35 lakh for government appointments. Additional allegations involve irregularities in departmental contracts worth approximately ₹1,020 crore.

The searches follow a Madras High Court decision on October 26, which dismissed Nehru’s petition to review an earlier order directing the DVAC to register a criminal case based on ED evidence.

DMK leaders, including MK Stalin, have criticized the actions, labeling them “Vettri Vendetta Politics” and accusing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of targeting former DMK officials to divert public attention.