The Income Tax department has initiated raids on the properties of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) minister E V Velu, who is in charge of the Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, in connection with alleged tax evasion. This development follows similar raids on other senior DMK leaders, including ministers V Senthil Balaji, K Ponmudi, and MP S Jagathrakshakan. Senthil Balaji was arrested in connection with an alleged cash-for-jobs scam in the state transport department.
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It is reported that Income Tax & ED officials are conducting searches at several locations across Chennai, Thiruvannamalai, Karur, and Coimbatore, encompassing residences, officials, and educational institutions associated with E V Velu.
This is not the first time Income Tax officials have conducted raids related to E V Velu. In 2021, investigations revealed discrepancies during searches at sand quarries. The current raids are in connection with alleged tax evasion related to educational institutions, sand quarries, and building construction.
The raids began at around 6:30 a.m. on 3 November 2023. The searches are ongoing at various locations and are being carried out with the assistance of personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The searches include properties in Tiruvannamalai, where many are concentrated around Velu’s house in Kilnachipattu village, located around 8 km from Tiruvannamalai town. At least 8 colleges are located on the same campus as his home. Among Velu’s extensive business ventures in Tiruvannamalai are ten colleges, including:
- Arunai Engineering College
- Arunai Medical College
- Kamban Engineering College
- Jeeva Velu International School
- Kamban College of Arts and Science for Women
- Arunai Institute of Nursing Education and Research
- Arunai College of Pharmacy
- Kumaran Polytechnic College
- Karan Arts and Science College
While Velu declared his assets as ₹23 crores in his 2021 election affidavit, DMK Files part 1 indicates that EV Velu is worth more than ₹5000 crores in assets. Arunai Engineering College is worth ₹1086.26 cr, Kamban Arts and Science College – ₹141.86 cr, Arunai Medical College – ₹4120.26 cr, and Jeeva Velu International School – ₹94 cr. It is reported that his extensive business ventures also include TV serial production and boarding schools.
Additional searches have been conducted in Karur, targeting premises related to the Minister and individuals associated with him. The raids involve multiple locations in Karur, including the house of Velu’s personal assistant, Suresh, and the house of Padma, sister of former DMK MLA Vasuki Murugesan, among others.
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