Kanimozhi slams TVK govt over vigilance raids on premises linked to former minister KN Nehru
Chennai, Sep 5 (IANS) DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi on Saturday strongly criticised the TVK government over vigilance searches at premises linked to former Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru, accusing the ruling dispensation of attempting to intimidate political opponents through the misuse of government agencies.
Kanimozhi said the DMK would not be cowed down by raids, threats or political pressure and would face the action politically and legally. She alleged that the searches reflected an attempt by the government to target Opposition leaders rather than address issues concerning the people of Tamil Nadu.
Her remarks came as the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted simultaneous searches at 19 locations associated with Nehru, his brother K.N. Ravichandran and others in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli.
In Chennai, vigilance teams searched Nehru’s residence in Alwarpet, Ravichandran’s house in R.A. Puram and an office associated with the latter in Adyar. Searches were also carried out at premises in Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur, Anna Nagar, Abhiramapuram and other areas. In Tiruchirappalli, DVAC officials reached Nehru’s residence at Thillai Nagar early in the morning and conducted an extensive search.
Police personnel were deployed around the property as DMK workers gathered outside and raised slogans against the government. The searches are connected with allegations of irregularities in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department during Nehru’s tenure.
Investigating agencies have alleged manipulation in the award of government contracts involving road works, sanitation projects and other civic schemes, with commissions purportedly collected from contractors. Transactions running into more than Rs 1,000 crore have come under the scanner. The department has also faced allegations concerning recruitment to more than 2,500 posts and purported irregularities involving transfers and postings.
The DVAC had earlier registered a case based on material relating to the alleged transactions.
Details of documents, cash or other material, if any, recovered during Saturday’s searches were not immediately disclosed.
DMK president M.K. Stalin also condemned the searches, describing them as politically motivated. He said the party and Nehru would confront the proceedings through legal means and asserted that such action would not intimidate the DMK.
The searches and the sharp political reaction have intensified the confrontation between the ruling TVK and the principal Opposition DMK.
–IANS
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