ED Raids Ex-AIADMK Minister in Tamil Nadu Over Money Laundering Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate raided locations associated with ex-AIADMK minister R. Vaithilingam in Tamil Nadu. This follows a DVAC investigation into alleged bribery from a real estate firm for planning permissions. Vaithilingam stands accused of using his former ministerial position to amass disproportionate assets.

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of searches across Tamil Nadu at sites linked to former AIADMK minister R. Vaithilingam. The raids are part of a money laundering probe involving the politician, who is currently a sitting MLA.

This development follows nearly a month after Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) filed a case against Vaithilingam and his family members. The charges include allegations of accepting bribes from a major real estate company in return for granting planning permission for a housing project.

The DVAC FIR accuses Vaithilingam of exploiting his position as Housing and Urban Development minister (2011-2016) to illicitly gather assets under his son's name, misaligned with his declared income. Allegedly, Rs 27.9 crore was funneled to a shell company led by his family for the green light on a residential development. Vaithilingam's political career spans multiple tenures, with key roles as AIADMK MLA, a state minister, and Rajya Sabha MP before returning as an MLA in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)