ED conducts raids on former AIADMK minister Vaithiyalingam in money laundering case

NEW DELHI: A team from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is conducting raids at the residence of former AIADMK Minister and incumbent Orthanadu MLA, R Vaithyalingam, in Thelungan Kudikadu village in Thanjavur district since this morning.
Vaithyalingam was accused of accepting bribes using his official position as Minister for Housing and Urban Development between 2011 and 2016.
The searches come after the Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) registered a case against the former minister, his son V Prabhu, and 11 others on 19 September 2024, on allegations of accepting bribes.
The case was filed based on complaints given by Arapoor Iyakkam. It is said that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd paid Rs. 27.9 crore to the former minister for obtaining planning approval for the construction of 1,453 dwelling units on 57.94 acres at GST Road in Perungalathur, Chennai.
ED slueths are also conducting raids at places linked to R Vaithiyalingam's son at Thanjavur Arulaanandha nagar extension.
Local functionaries and supporters gathered outside the residence of R Vaithyalingam as sleuths of the Directorate of Enforcement started the search on Wednesday morning.