Raids at 58 properties of ex-AIADMK minister SP Velumanai; FIR filed

The Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) raided 58 properties belonging to ex-AIADMK minister SP Velumani for having assets disproportionate to his sources of income. An FIR has been filed against 13 people, including SP Velumanai and his close relatives.

The Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) conducted raids on properties associated with former AIADMK Minister, SP Velumani. The raids are being conducted in 58 locations, including SP Velumani's house. An FIR has also been filed against SP Velumani and 12 others for hatching a criminal conspiracy.

The investigation officers in the FIR said that SP Velumani, being a Public Servant, was indulging in conducting his illicit activities through his relatives and close associates through six firms and companies which the DVAC has identified.

The DVAC had earlier conducted raids against SP Velumani and his family's properties in October 2021. Back then, the AIADMK had called this move a political vendetta by the ruling DMK.

The DVAC inspector of police, Coimbatore in the FIR has written, "During the check period between 27.04.2016 and 15.03.2021, SP Velumani (A-l) in his name and in the names of his wife, son, daughter, relatives and associates etc., intentionally enriched himself illicitly during the period of his office to the tune of Rs 58,23,97,052/- which is disproportionate to the known sources of income and which comes to 3928% of the total income."

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The DVAC also found that SP Velumani, his wife and children's assets were worth Rs 1,03,99,027 on April 27, 2016.

But the assets of SP Velumani, his wife and children on March 15, 2021 were found to be Rs 58,94,26,063.