A major political bomb has been dropped on the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, following recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to a ₹1,000 crore liquor scam involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The probe has reportedly exposed a large-scale corruption network involving individuals allegedly connected to the DMK’s first family.
At the heart of the scandal are two individuals—Ratheesh and Aakash Bhaskaran—who are believed to have close ties to Deputy Chief Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin. Suspected WhatsApp conversations between Ratheesh and TASMAC Managing Director S. Visakan have raised serious questions about possible corruption and political influence in the functioning of the state-run liquor corporation.
Adding another layer to the controversy, a budding Kollywood film producer, who is reportedly related to the DMK’s first family and is working on a ₹400–₹500 crore film project featuring major stars, was also brought under the ED’s scanner. He was questioned over two days during the raids, further intensifying the political fallout from the ongoing investigation.
Who is Ratheesh?
Ratheesh, a longtime associate of Udhayanidhi Stalin, is reportedly considered a central figure in the DMK leader’s inner circle and is described by Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources as a behind-the-scenes power broker with significant influence.
During its months-long investigation into the alleged ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam, the ED reportedly discovered printed WhatsApp chat screenshots near the residence of the TASMAC Managing Director (MD) in Chennai. These communications appear to show Ratheesh issuing direct instructions to the MD.
The messages allegedly included detailed guidance on selecting liquor brands, such as ‘Erica Platinum XO Brandy French’ and ‘Erica VSOP Premium XO Brandy’, along with directives related to tender management processes. One particularly notable exchange involved Ratheesh sending the TASMAC MD a photo of the MD with Udhayanidhi Stalin, suggesting his deep access and authority within influential circles.
The revelations have sparked a political storm in Tamil Nadu, with the opposition AIADMK demanding answers. They referred to Ratheesh as “Who_Is_That_Brother?”—a nickname kept and called for the DMK leadership to clarify his role and connections in the alleged scam.
Meanwhile, Ratheesh has reportedly gone untraceable, with ED officials unable to locate him at his registered address in Chennai, adding to the mounting suspicions surrounding his involvement.
டாஸ்மாக் MD வீட்டின் அருகே கிழிந்த நிலையில் டாஸ்மாக் நிறுவனம் தொடர்பாக முக்கிய விவரங்கள் குறித்த வாட்சப் Chat Screenshots கிடைத்ததாகவும், இவை துணை முதல்வர் உதயநிதியின் நண்பர் ரத்தீஷிடம் பேசியது எனவும் செய்திகள் வருகின்றன.
டாஸ்மாக் நிறுவனத்தின் MD-க்கு Directives கொடுக்க இந்த… pic.twitter.com/R4fqj6JPI4
— AIADMK – -SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) May 16, 2025
Who is Aakash Bhaskaran?
Much like Ratheesh, film producer Aakash Bhaskaran has also come under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The young producer, who heads Dawn Pictures, is reportedly being scrutinized for simultaneously financing multiple big-budget films, with an estimated combined value between ₹400 and ₹550 crore.
A native of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Aakash comes from a business background—his father is the owner of a jewellery store. After completing his education, Aakash began his journey in the film industry by working as an assistant director under filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. It is noteworthy to mention that Vignesh Shivn had directed the Chess Olympiad promotional video featuring MK Stalin.
In 2024, Aakash Bhaskaran married Dharaneeswari, daughter of CK Ranganathan, the chairman and managing director of Cavinkare Pvt Ltd. Dharaneeswari’s mother, Thenmozhi, is the granddaughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, linking Aakash to the powerful DMK political family. He is also said to have close ties with Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
His high-profile wedding in 2024 was attended by several notable figures from both the film industry and the DMK, including Cheif Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
Aakash has recently gained attention for producing high-value projects featuring leading Tamil stars such as Dhanush, Silambarasan TR, and Sivakarthikeyan, all under the Dawn Pictures banner. His rapid rise and simultaneous funding of several mega-budget films have raised questions that are now part of the ED’s ongoing investigation.
#யார்_அந்த_தம்பி pic.twitter.com/WLmLAv9eMX
— AdmirerOfAnna – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@Dilleepan) May 17, 2025
The ED’s probe has reportedly uncovered irregularities in TASMAC’s tendering processes, undeclared cash dealings, and a covert liquor trade allegedly worth ₹1,000 crore. Since the beginning of the year, the investigation has resulted in raids targeting TASMAC personnel, distilleries, and various corporate offices. In April, TASMAC MD S. Visakan and other top officials were summoned by the ED for questioning.
In response, the DMK has firmly rejected the allegations. Earlier this year, Minister V. Senthil Balaji stated that all TASMAC operations, including purchases and tenders, are conducted with full transparency. He accused opposition parties—including the BJP—of exaggerating the issue for political advantage.
The BJP has also taken a strong stance on the matter. Former state party chief K. Annamalai led a protest in March, during which several BJP leaders were detained by police.
TASMAC, which oversees the sale of liquor throughout Tamil Nadu, remains one of the state’s largest sources of revenue. However, it has frequently been a flashpoint in political debates, with both current and previous administrations facing accusations of using the organization to channel funds into electoral campaigns and party expenses.
(With Inputs From The Federal)
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