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DMK District Secretary Chittrarasu Accused Of ₹69 Lakh Cash-For-Jobs Scam By Own Party Member

By
The Commune
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DMK District Secretary Chittrarasu Accused Of ₹69 Lakh Cash-For-Jobs Scam By Own Party Member

A senior functionary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has lodged a fraud complaint against fellow party leader and South Chennai West District Secretary Chittrarasu, alleging that he and his associates collected ₹69 lakh from job aspirants on the promise of securing employment in the Chennai Corporation and Hindu temples but failed to provide the promised jobs, as reported in Kumudam.

Chittrarasu, who also serves as the Chennai Corporation Councillor for Ward 110, had contested the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly election from the Anna Nagar constituency as the DMK candidate but was defeated.

The complaint has been filed before the Chennai Police Commissioner’s Office by Thulasiraman, a resident of Triplicane and a DMK West District representative.

In his complaint, Thulasiraman stated that Chittrarasu was well known to him and had told him that vacancies were available in the Chennai Corporation owing to his position in the civic body.

According to the complaint, Chittrarasu allegedly told him to identify interested candidates for recruitment. Acting on this assurance, Thulasiraman introduced several individuals including Rajesh, Saravanan, Balasubramanian, Sasikumar Gouri, Bashith Siddique and Venkatesan who were seeking driver and office assistant positions in the Chennai Corporation.

He further alleged that Chittrarasu also claimed that office assistant vacancies were available in temples under the jurisdiction of Chennai and asked him to arrange candidates for those posts as well.

Thulasiraman said Chittrarasu directed him to meet his aides, Prasanna and Vinoth (alias Vinoth), who is stated in the complaint to be an employee of Sun TV. The two allegedly convinced him that vacancies existed in the Chennai Corporation headquarters and at the Parthasarathy Temple.

According to the complaint, candidates were allegedly asked to pay between ₹3 lakh and ₹7 lakh depending on the post. Thulasiraman stated that he arranged ₹5 lakh for his wife’s job and also collected money from other applicants.

He alleged that during different periods in 2024, he handed over nearly ₹69 lakh in cash to Chittrarasu and his aides, Prasanna and Vinoth, at Chittrarasu’s office in Nungambakkam.

However, he later claimed to have discovered that the very posts for which money had allegedly been collected had instead been filled by other individuals.

When questioned, Chittrarasu initially assured him that the money would be returned but allegedly failed to do so.

Thulasiraman further stated that the people who had entrusted him with the money continuously demanded refunds, forcing him to borrow money and even sell his wife’s jewellery to repay several of them, leaving him under severe financial distress.

The complaint further alleges that when he later sought repayment from Chittrarasu and his aides, they refused and threatened him.

In the complaint, Thulasiraman stated, “Chittrarasu is well known to me. Since he was the Chairman of the Standing Committee in the Chennai Corporation, he told me that there were employment opportunities in the Chennai Corporation and asked me to bring people I knew who were looking for jobs.”

He further alleged, “Based on his assurances, I introduced several people seeking jobs. His aides, Prasanna and Vinoth, convinced us that vacancies were available in the Chennai Corporation headquarters and at the Parthasarathy Temple. They demanded between ₹3 lakh and ₹7 lakh depending on the post. During different periods in 2024, I paid around ₹69 lakh at Chittrarasu’s office in Nungambakkam.”

Describing what followed, he said, “Later I came to know that the jobs for which money had been collected had been given to other people. Initially, Chittrarasu assured me that the money would be returned, but he kept deceiving me. Those who had given me money kept demanding refunds, forcing me to borrow money and sell my wife’s jewellery to repay many of them. I have been left with a huge debt burden.”

The complaint also contains allegations of intimidation.

According to Thulasiraman, “When I demanded my money back, Chittrarasu and his aides threatened me, saying they would not return the money. They warned that if I continued asking for it, they would file false criminal cases against me and my family and have us sent to jail.”

He further alleged that despite approaching senior DMK leaders and lodging a complaint with the Nungambakkam Police Station, no action was taken.

He stated, “I approached senior DMK leaders with my grievance, but no action was taken. The Nungambakkam Police Station refused to register my complaint. I therefore submitted an online complaint on 15 May 2025, but even then no action was taken.”

Thulasiraman also alleged that ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, false complaints were filed against him and his wife at Chittrarasu’s instigation, leading to criminal cases and his imprisonment.

He stated, “Before the 2026 Assembly elections, acting at Chittrarasu’s instigation, false complaints were filed against me and my wife. Cases were registered and I was sent to jail. After my release, when I demanded the return of my money over the past ten days, Chittrarasu, Prasanna and Vinoth allegedly issued death threats. I request legal action against all three.”

Speaking to reporters after submitting the complaint, Thulasiraman said, “I am also a DMK member, yet this is the situation I have been subjected to. Chittrarasu collected up to ₹7 lakh per job by promising employment in various Chennai Corporation posts. He collected a total of ₹69 lakh from more than ten people but failed to provide the promised jobs.”

The complaint has generated political attention as it has been filed by a DMK office-bearer against a serving district secretary of the ruling party.

According to reports, the complaint is currently under investigation by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Chennai Police.

The Jaffer Sadiq Connection

Chittrarasu’s name had previously surfaced in the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the alleged drug trafficking-linked money laundering network involving former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq. In April 2024, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations across Tamil Nadu, including premises linked to Chittrarasu, as part of its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators were examining the alleged financial trail connected to Jaffer Sadiq, who was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with the alleged smuggling of approximately 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine valued at over ₹2,000 crore.

At the time, Chittrarasu was described in reports as a close associate of Jaffer Sadiq and a confidant of Udhayanidhi Stalin. While the ED searches brought him under investigative scrutiny in connection with the money laundering probe, no charges or conviction against Chittrarasu arising from that investigation have been publicly reported.

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Another Scandalous Video Of TVK Minister ‘Ghilli’ Sarath Kumar Emerges Days After Alleged ‘Drug’ Video

By
The Commune
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Another Scandalous Video Of TVK Minister 'Ghilli' Sarath Kumar Emerges Days After Alleged 'Drug' Video

Just days after a viral video allegedly showing TVK Human Resources Management Minister ‘Ghilli’ Sarath Kumar handling a white powder-like substance triggered a political storm, another video purportedly featuring the minister has surfaced on social media, intensifying the controversy surrounding him.

The latest clip, which has rapidly spread across social media platforms, allegedly shows Sarath Kumar at a beach holding and drinking from a canned beverage that several users have claimed appears to be beer. The authenticity of the video and the contents of the can have not been independently verified.

The fresh controversy comes close on the heels of the minister’s earlier viral IPL stadium video, which sparked widespread criticism from political parties and social media users. The timing of that controversy proved particularly damaging, as it emerged on the very day Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay participated in an anti-drug awareness marathon marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The earlier video showed Sarath Kumar using an ATM card to crush a white powder-like substance on the screen of a mobile phone during an IPL match. It was alleged that the footage appeared to depict drug consumption, prompting demands for his resignation from opposition parties, including the DMK.

Responding to the allegations, Sarath Kumar denied any drug use and released a video statement alongside his wife and daughter. He said the footage had been deliberately misrepresented and explained that he was crushing a prescribed tablet for his then one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who was unwell and unable to swallow the medicine whole. According to the minister, the tablet was mixed with water after being crushed to make it easier for the child to consume.

Despite the clarification, the controversy escalated politically. The DMK student wing organised statewide protests demanding Sarath Kumar’s dismissal and arrest, accusing the TVK government of sending the wrong message on drug abuse. The minister’s explanation was rejected by the opposition, which questioned the circumstances surrounding the original video and its accompanying social media post.

Amid the backlash, reports also emerged of unease within the TVK leadership. Sources had claimed that the controversy reached Chief Minister Vijay, who was reportedly displeased with the developments. There were also reports that Sarath Kumar was kept away from at least one party programme while speculation grew over his political future, although no official action has been announced.

The emergence of the new beach video has once again placed the minister under public scrutiny. While social media users have alleged that the canned beverage seen in the footage is beer, neither the minister nor the government had issued an official response regarding the latest video at the time of writing.

With a second video now circulating within days of the first controversy, the political pressure on the minister is expected to intensify as the opposition continues to target the TVK government over the issue.

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DMK Once Had Alleged Drug Kingpin Jaffer Sadiq As Office-Bearer, Now Protests TVK Minister’s Alleged ‘Drug’ Video

By
The Commune
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DMK Once Had Alleged Drug Kingpin Jaffer Sadiq As Office-Bearer, Now Protests TVK Minister's Viral 'Drug' Video

The DMK’s anti-drug protests against TVK Minister Ghilli Sarath Kumar have produced an awkward political irony: the party now demanding zero tolerance over a disputed viral video is the same party that once counted alleged ₹2,000-crore international drug kingpin Jaffer Sadiq among its office-bearers.

On Monday, 29 June 2026, the DMK student wing staged protests across Tamil Nadu, accusing the TVK government of promoting a “drug-friendly” culture and demanding that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay immediately dismiss and arrest Sarath Kumar. The agitation was triggered by a two-year-old video that resurfaced online, showing the minister using an ATM card to crush a white substance on a mobile phone during an IPL match.

Sarathkumar has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was crushing a tablet for his young daughter, who was unwell and unwilling to swallow the medicine. However, the DMK has rejected the explanation, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the video and its original social media post raise serious questions.

While the protests have focused entirely on the viral clip, they have also drawn attention to the DMK’s own record on drug-related controversies, particularly the case involving former party functionary Jaffer Sadiq.

The contrast has become a talking point because the current protests are based on allegations arising from an ambiguous viral video that the minister disputes, whereas the Jaffer Sadiq case involved a federal investigation into an alleged international narcotics network.

In 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) identified Jaffer Sadiq as the alleged mastermind of a transnational drug trafficking syndicate accused of smuggling large quantities of pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, to countries including Australia and New Zealand. The Enforcement Directorate later launched a parallel money laundering investigation into the alleged proceeds of the operation.

Before his arrest, Jaffer Sadiq was not a fringe political worker. He held the position of Chennai West District Deputy Organiser in the DMK’s NRI Wing and had been publicly associated with senior party leaders. Photographs of him at party events and while presenting contributions to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund were widely circulated after the case came to light.

Some more instances include the JSM Residency in Chennai, which was a two-star hotel, was inaugurated by DMK’s HRCE Minister PK Sekar Babu. Additionally, the promotion of Saleem Bhai’s biryani was done in collaboration with Dravidianist director Ameer Sulthan.

Furthermore, JSM Productions, which produced the film ‘Mangai‘, saw Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi (DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife) as the chief guest for the launch of the film’s single.

Mangai film produced by Sadiq

One of the businesses of Jaffer Sadiq is Pitch n Play which was inaugurated by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran.

The DMK expelled Jaffer Sadiq only after the Narcotics Control Bureau publicly identified him as the alleged mastermind of an international drug trafficking network and the case exploded into the national spotlight.

Against that backdrop, the party’s latest anti-drug campaign is ironical. The DMK is mobilising statewide protests and demanding the dismissal of a minister over a disputed viral video, while its own former office-bearer is being investigated by central agencies in connection with an alleged ₹2,000-crore international drug syndicate.

The contrast is telling. The same party that now seeks to project itself as uncompromising on drug-related issues once found itself explaining how an individual who later became the subject of a major NCB investigation held an official position within its organisation and enjoyed visibility alongside senior party leaders before his expulsion.

The DMK’s aggressive campaign against Sarathkumar has reopened questions about whether the party applies the same standards of political accountability to itself as it demands of its opponents.

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Joseph Vijay Reportedly Angry Over TVK Min ‘Ghilli’ Sarath’s Alleged Drug Video, Benched From Party Events Amid Removal Speculation

By
The Commune
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Joseph Vijay Reportedly Angry Over TVK Min 'Ghilli' Sarath's Alleged Drug Video, Benched From Party Events Amid Removal Speculation

TVK Human Resources Minister Ghilli Sarath has remained at the centre of a political controversy over the past four days after an old video purportedly showing him appearing to use narcotics went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.

The controversy intensified after the DMK student wing announced statewide protests demanding Sarath’s dismissal from the state cabinet.

Amid the growing political backlash, sources within the TVK, particularly in Panaiyur, claimed that the episode had caused significant concern within the party leadership, as reported in Vikatan.

According to party functionaries familiar with the developments, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had participated in an anti-drug marathon on the morning the controversy erupted and had received an enthusiastic public response. However, they said that within hours, the circulation of the old video shifted public attention and resulted in criticism being directed at both the minister and the government.

The functionaries further claimed that Sarath’s subsequent explanation regarding the video failed to contain the controversy and instead intensified criticism on social media. As the issue gained traction online, they alleged that it reached the Chief Minister’s attention, who was reportedly shocked after watching the video. According to the sources, Vijay also expressed his displeasure to TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand over the issue.

The sources further claimed that speculation soon emerged within the party that Sarath could be removed from the cabinet due to the Chief Minister’s reported dissatisfaction.

Amid the uncertainty, Sarath is said to have visited the residence of General Secretary Bussy Anand, known as “Shenbagam,” on Greenways Road, accompanied by his wife and children. According to the party sources, Sarath told Anand that the viral clip was merely a playful act that was being deliberately exaggerated and politicised by opponents, and requested that this explanation be conveyed to the Chief Minister.

However, the sources alleged that Bussy Anand did not offer any assurances and instead informed Sarath that the matter had already reached the Chief Minister and that the final decision rested solely with him. Sarath reportedly left the meeting worried about the possibility of losing his ministerial position.

The controversy has also reportedly affected Sarath’s participation in party programmes. Sources claimed that although Sarath, as the minister in charge of Chengalpattu district, had been scheduled to attend a welfare assistance distribution programme organised in Guduvancheri on Saturday night to mark the Chief Minister’s birthday, he stayed away after receiving instructions from the party leadership.

According to senior party functionaries, there is also an internal view that immediate disciplinary action against Sarath could hand the DMK a political advantage, as the opposition has been actively highlighting the issue.

The sources claimed that some senior leaders have advised the Chief Minister’s camp to defer any decision until a possible cabinet reshuffle in the coming months rather than act immediately amid the ongoing political controversy.

However, they maintained that no final decision has been taken and that the matter ultimately rests with Chief Minister Vijay.

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Joseph Vijay Once Mocked ‘Bottle-Ku Pathu Rooba’; TASMAC Overcharging Still Continues Despite Crackdown

By
The Commune
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joseph Vijay Once Mocked “Bottle-Ku Pathu Rooba”; Now TASMAC Faces Fresh Extra Charge Allegations

Despite repeated assurances from the TVK government that the long-standing issue of overcharging at TASMAC liquor outlets would be addressed, consumers across Tamil Nadu continue to report being charged above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), with excess collections allegedly ranging up to ₹40 per bottle, as reported in The New Indian Express.

The government had recently launched a statewide crackdown against MRP violations, suspending nearly 200 TASMAC retail outlet employees accused of collecting amounts above the prescribed price. Prohibition and Excise Minister K. Vignesh had also conducted surprise inspections at several TASMAC outlets and godowns, directing employees to strictly adhere to MRP and refrain from overcharging customers.

However, complaints from consumers indicate that the practice remains widespread despite the enforcement drive.

According to a field survey conducted by The New Indian Express across Chennai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruppur and Tenkasi districts, several TASMAC outlets were allegedly found continuing to collect amounts above the printed MRP.

In Alangulam, Tenkasi district, customers reportedly alleged that all four TASMAC outlets operating in and around the town continued to collect an additional ₹5 per bottle. Consumers also complained about a private liquor outlet allegedly misusing its FL2 licence by charging ₹20 extra on bottles priced below ₹200 and ₹40 extra on bottles costing more than ₹200.

Similar complaints were reported from Salem district, where consumers said that although a few outlets had stopped collecting excess amounts following recent inspections, most shops continued the practice.

S. Prabakaran, a resident of Rayapuram in Tiruppur, told the newspaper that some outlet employees waived the additional charge only after customers questioned them by pointing to the MRP printed on the bottle. He alleged that in certain instances, ₹10 was refunded only after customers returned the bottle.

Consumers in Coimbatore reportedly shared similar experiences, stating that obtaining a waiver of the additional ₹10 often required arguments with outlet staff, making such confrontations a routine occurrence at several shops.

K. Thiruselvan, General Secretary of the CITU, alleged that officials responsible for supervising TASMAC operations had escaped accountability despite persistent complaints. He pointed out that deputy collectors and district managers had been appointed to monitor outlet operations, but no action had reportedly been initiated against officials overseeing the continued MRP violations.

A senior TASMAC official told The New Indian Express that discussions had been held with the Excise Minister regarding concerns raised by employees, including expenses related to shop rent, electricity, transportation and damages.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters in Coimbatore on Sunday, Prohibition and Excise Minister K. Vignesh said the government was preparing a separate law governing TASMAC operations. He stated that liquor would be sold strictly at MRP and that the existing refundable ₹10 bottle deposit would be merged into the MRP itself to prevent misuse.

The minister explained that under the existing system, if a bottle was priced at ₹140, customers were charged ₹150, with the additional ₹10 refunded upon returning the empty bottle. However, he said the government had no effective mechanism to monitor the refundable amount when bottles were not returned or to audit the number of empty bottles collected.

He stated that under the proposed system, the refundable deposit would no longer be collected separately. Instead, the entire MRP would be credited directly to the government, including any amount that previously remained unclaimed when bottles were not returned. According to the minister, this would ensure that all such collections are accounted for in the government treasury rather than being retained by private individuals.

The minister further claimed that the government was working to recover nearly ₹1,000 crore annually that he alleged had previously been diverted from TASMAC operations to political parties. He also alleged that private bars had earlier paid political funds and claimed that such collections had now been stopped and would instead accrue to the government.

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Former DMK Minister SS Sivasankar Summoned In ₹23 Lakh Govt Job Fraud Case

By
The Commune
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Former DMK Minister SS Sivasankar Summoned In ₹23 Lakh Govt Job Fraud Case; Arrested Accused Allegedly Claimed To Be His Aide

Former Tamil Nadu Transport Minister and DMK MLA from Kunnam constituency, SS Sivasankar, has been summoned by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) in connection with an alleged ₹23 lakh job scam, marking a significant development in an investigation into promises of government employment in the Transport Department.

Sivasankar, who served as the Transport Minister in the previous DMK government and was also entrusted with the additional portfolio of the Electricity Department, has been called for questioning after his name was included in the First Information Report (FIR) based on allegations made by the complainant.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Srinivasan, a retired Sub-Inspector of Police, who alleged that he was cheated of ₹23 lakh after being promised a government job for his son in the Transport Department.

According to the complaint, Ilanchezhiyan, a resident of Ariyalur district, introduced himself as a close aide of former minister SS Sivasankar and claimed he could secure permanent government jobs in departments including the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), and Aavin through his political connections.

Based on the complaint, the Central Crime Branch registered a case under multiple sections and arrested Ilanchezhiyan on 24 June 2026. He is currently being interrogated as investigators examine whether similar frauds were committed against other job seekers.

The FIR states that Ilanchezhiyan arranged a meeting between Srinivasan and former Minister Sivasankar at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat. During that meeting, the complainant alleged that Sivasankar confirmed the ₹23 lakh paid for his son’s employment had reached him and assured him that the promised government job would be secured.

The complainant further alleged that Sivasankar subsequently spoke to him over the phone on multiple occasions, reiterating that the appointment would be arranged. Relying on these assurances, Srinivasan continued making payments.

According to the FIR, the ₹23 lakh was paid in multiple instalments through bank transfers, UPI transactions and cash. Despite repeated assurances, no government job was provided, the money was not returned, and communication with the accused eventually ceased.

The complaint also alleges that Ilanchezhiyan sought to gain the victim’s confidence by claiming that his mother had close ties with former CM Stalin’s wife Durga Stalin, former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan. He also allegedly claimed that SS Sivasankar had been his mother’s teacher, using these purported political connections to reinforce his credibility.

Based on the victim’s statement and the allegations contained in the FIR, the Central Crime Branch has now issued a summons directing former minister SS Sivasankar to appear before investigators and provide an explanation. Officials are expected to question him regarding the alleged meeting at the Secretariat, the mobile phone conversations cited by the complainant, and the assurances allegedly given regarding the promised government job.

Investigators are also examining documentary evidence and other materials collected during the probe to determine the extent of any involvement by additional individuals.

Earlier, SS Sivasankar had publicly denied any association with Ilanchezhiyan, stating on social media that the arrested individual was neither his assistant nor connected to him in any manner.

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TVK Model: Teen Arrested For Brutal Murder Of 9-Year-Old Boy In Pudukkottai; Charged Under POCSO

By
The Commune
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TVK Model: Teen Arrested For Brutal Murder Of 9-Year-Old Boy In Pudukkottai; Charged Under POCSO

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of horror through the region, a nine-year-old boy was found murdered near his home in the Karukkakurichi area of Pudukkottai district. The police have arrested a 17-year-old student in connection with the crime and have booked him under four sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to reports, the body of the victim, a Class 4 student, was discovered on the night before last, approximately 100 meters from his residence. The boy was found strangulated to death near a pond, his body bearing clear signs of foul play. The gruesome discovery sparked immediate tension and outrage in the locality.

The Vadakadu police registered a case and launched a thorough investigation. Their probe swiftly zeroed in on a 17-year-old youth from the same village, who is a Class 12 student. During interrogation, the teenage suspect reportedly made a startling confession. He told police that he had attempted to sexually assault the younger boy near his home. When the nine-year-old resisted and tried to flee, the accused allegedly used a cloth he was carrying to strangle him to death.

Based on the evidence and the confession, the police arrested the minor and produced him before the court. He has been remanded to judicial custody until 10 July 2026. The accused has been charged under four legal provisions, including the stringent POCSO Act, given the sexual nature of the assault attempt.

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Devotees Allege Private Firm Owner Collects Nandi Pradosham Abhishekam Milk In 200-Litre Cans After Erecting Barricades At Cuddalore Padaleeswarar Temple

By
The Commune
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Devotees Allege Private Firm Owner Collects Nandi Abhishekam Milk In 200-Litre Cans After Erecting Barricades At Cuddalore Padaleeswarar Temple

Devotees visiting the Padaleeswarar Temple in Thirupapuliyur, Cuddalore district, have alleged that a private company owner has been collecting large quantities of milk and curd used for the Pradosham abhishekam performed for Nandi, instead of allowing the offerings to be distributed among devotees as per the customary practice.

According to devotees, it is a long-standing tradition at the temple for the milk and curd used during the Pradosham abhishekam to Nandi to be distributed to devotees after the ritual.

However, devotees alleged that during the last few Pradosham observances, a private company owner erected barricades near the abhishekam area and, with the assistance of his employees, collected the milk and curd in a 200-litre can before devotees could receive it.

The devotees further alleged that whenever they questioned the practice or sought an explanation, they were driven away from the premises.

Seeking official intervention, the devotees have urged the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to ensure that the customary distribution of the abhishekam offerings to devotees is restored.

The allegations have sparked concern among devotees, who claim that the practice has continued over the past several Pradosham rituals.

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’10 Or 15 People Filming Reels Doesn’t Trouble Anyone’: TVK Minister Nirmal Kumar Defends Cadres At Govt Hospital

By
The Commune
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'10 Or 15 People Filming Reels Doesn't Trouble Anyone': TVK Minister Nirmal Kumar Defends Cadres At Government Hospital

TVK Electricity Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar has defended the party functionaries filming reels during a government hospital event, stating that the activity did not cause any inconvenience to the public.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a pulse polio immunisation camp and administering polio drops to children at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, Nirmal Kumar was asked about criticism that party cadres had delayed the official programme and crowded the venue while filming videos on their mobile phones.

Responding to the criticism, the minister said the government had not instructed officials to delay the programme for the arrival of party functionaries or anyone else. He said directions had been issued to conduct programmes as scheduled.

“Ten or fifteen people recording videos on their phones does not inconvenience anyone,” Nirmal Kumar said. He added that the government hospital faced far more pressing issues, including shortages of staff, nurses and doctors, as well as inadequate space.

The minister said the hospital had been waiting for nearly ten years for additional land to undertake expansion works and assured that the government would take steps to expand the facility. He also said that while buildings had been constructed at several government hospitals, there was a shortage of personnel to operate them effectively, adding that the government would address those deficiencies.

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Illegal Quarrying, Fake Transit Passes And ‘Party Fund’: Sand Lorry Owners Allege Massive Quarry Scam Under DMK; Seek Cases Against Former Ministers Duraimurugan, Regupathy

By
The Commune
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Illegal Quarrying, Fake Transit Passes And 'Party Fund' Sand Lorry Owners Allege Massive Quarry Scam Under DMK; Seek Cases Against Former Ministers Duraimurugan, Regupathy

Days after corruption in the education department during the Dravidian model regime was exposed, more and more business owners in Tamil Nadu are coming forward to express their grievances they faced under the DMK government to the newly formed TVK government.

The president of the Sand Lorry Owners’ Federation, Chella Rasamani, has alleged that large-scale irregularities in gravel and savudu (red earth) quarries during the previous DMK government caused a loss of nearly ₹50,000 crore to the Tamil Nadu exchequer. He has urged the present government to register criminal cases against former ministers Duraimurugan and S. Regupathy, as well as an alleged intermediary identified as Rajappa, accusing them of involvement in the alleged scam.

Addressing reporters in Namakkal, Rasamani claimed that widespread irregularities had taken place in gravel and savudu quarries across several districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Madurai and Sivaganga.

According to Rasamani, a person identified as Rajappa, allegedly hailing from Mayiladuthurai, used the names of members of the then-ruling party’s family to intimidate quarry operators and lorry owners. He alleged that lorry owners transporting gravel and savudu were forced to pay ₹700 per unit as “royalty”, which he claimed was collected in the name of “party fund”. He further alleged that in some quarries, operators collected as much as ₹2,000 per lorry load in illegal charges, as reported in Dinamalar.

He further alleged that quarry operators extracted minerals not only from licensed quarries but also from unlicensed sites and government poramboke lands without authorisation, removing thousands of truckloads of material every day.

Rasamani also alleged that lorries were loaded far beyond the permitted limits, with some carrying up to 50 tonnes of gravel and savudu. He claimed that instead of issuing the mandatory online transit passes, quarry operators supplied fake transit passes and permit slips to transporters after collecting money from them.

“As a result, our lorries are intercepted by officials from the police, revenue, transport and mining departments, who declare that the transit passes are fake and accuse us of illegally transporting minerals,” Rasamani alleged. He claimed that lorry owners and drivers were subsequently booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and were arrested, even though, according to him, they had paid the required charges to quarry operators.

He further alleged that despite repeatedly petitioning government officials, the Chief Secretary, the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Mines Minister about the alleged illegal mining and fake transit passes, no action was taken during the previous regime. He also claimed that after filing complaints against illegal mineral transportation, he was threatened and pressured to withdraw them. According to Rasamani, police instead registered cases against federation members who staged protests and arrested them, while no action was taken against those allegedly responsible for issuing fake transit passes. He said the repeated action against lorry owners and drivers had created fear among transporters and discouraged many from operating their vehicles.

Rasamani also alleged that in several instances, quarry operators obtained permission to extract gravel from patta land but illegally mined sand from adjacent lands without approval while using permits issued for gravel transportation. He further alleged that the number of illegally operating quarries in Tamil Nadu exceeds the number of government-authorised quarries and claimed that irregularities had also taken place in the renewal of quarry licences.

Rasamani further claimed that if Tamil Nadu’s mineral resources were managed properly, the State could generate up to ₹50,000 crore in annual revenue. Calling for a comprehensive investigation, he urged the present government to probe allegations relating to illegal quarrying, overloaded transportation, fake transit passes and the collection of political funds, and to initiate legal action against the officials, quarry owners and former ministers allegedly responsible. He also urged the government to bring greater transparency to the mining sector, eliminate illegal mineral transportation and protect the livelihoods of lorry owners.

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