DMK Leader E.V. Velu Faces Investigation in Chennai
E.V. Velu, a leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and former minister in Tamil Nadu, appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Chennai on Wednesday. This visit relates to alleged irregularities in road projects during his time in office.
The questioning lasted for several hours, as reported by sources close to the situation. Velu stated he attended the DVAC office to comply with a directive from the Madras High Court and assured that he fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation.
“I arrived at DVAC around 10:45 AM, and the questioning began at 11 AM. They asked me many questions, and I provided honest answers,” Velu told reporters after the session.
He emphasized that his responses were truthful, insisting that there was no dishonesty in his statements. He also expressed his willingness to return to the agency if required, saying, “As the case is ongoing in court, I cannot provide extensive details. The next court date is on July 28, and I hope for justice then.”
Velu had traveled to Singapore for medical treatment in June, leading some, like Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay, to make sarcastic remarks suggesting he was avoiding the DVAC investigation. In response, Velu clarified that he had never tried to escape scrutiny and that anyone trained under DMK leaders M. Karunanidhi or M.K. Stalin would not shy away from accountability.
The DVAC previously conducted searches at locations linked to Velu and others in June, based on a complaint from Jayaram Venkatesan, the founder of Arappor Iyakkam. The complaint accused Velu and other officials of misconduct regarding road projects.
