The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids on the properties of R. Vaithilingam, an AIADMK Orathanad MLA and former minister in Tamil Nadu, in a ₹ 28-crore bribery case. A team of 11 ED officials began their searches early on 23 October 2024 at Vaithilingam’s home in Orathanadu, Thanjavur district, as well as at other locations linked to him in Chennai.
These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that he accumulated wealth through unlawful activities as a minister from 2011 to 2016. Vaithilingam served as the Housing and Urban Development Minister during the Jayalalitha’s regime and supported O. Panneerselvam. The anti-bribery department previously registered a case against him for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹28 crore, involving 11 individuals, including his two sons. ED alleged they received bribes to facilitate the construction of an apartment complex near Perungalathur in Chennai.
The controversy centres on a 2013 proposal from the Sriram Group to construct a 1,453-unit apartment complex, initially denied by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation. However, in 2016, permission was unexpectedly granted, leading to allegations that Vaithilingam, the minister at the time, accepted bribes amounting to several crores. Reports indicate that these bribes were funnelled to a company where Vaithilingam’s sons serve as directors, masquerading as loans.
On 23 October 2024, enforcement officials raided Vaithilingam’s home in Orantharayankudikadu near Thanjavur, deploying a team of 11 officers. They also searched his residence in Chennai. Since Vaithilingam was not at the MLA’s hostel, his aide provided access to the house.
Simultaneously, officials raided his son’s house in T Nagar. However, no information has been released regarding whether any documents related to irregularities were seized during the raids. It’s important to note that the anti-corruption police have filed a case against 11 individuals, including former minister Vaithilingam.
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