Tamil NaduFriday, 12 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
ED challenges DVAC closure move in ₹27.90 crore bribery case against former minister Vaithilingam
The ED filed a protest petition in Chennai against DVAC’s attempt to close a ₹27.90 crore bribery case involving former minister R. Vaithilingam.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, the Enforcement Directorate filed a protest petition before the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai against the DVAC’s move to close a ₹27.90 crore bribery case linked to former Tamil Nadu minister R. Vaithilingam.
Key specifics
- The DVAC registered the case on September 19, 2024, against R. Vaithilingam.
- The alleged offence relates to his tenure as Housing and Urban Development Minister in Jayalalithaa’s Cabinet during 2011-2016.
- The ED said ₹27.90 crore was paid by Bharath Coal Chemicals Limited to Muthammal Estates Private Limited between January 28, 2016 and February 4, 2016.
- The planning permission for 1,453 additional buildings on 57.94 acres at GST Road, Perungaluthur, Chennai, was cleared on February 24, 2016.
- The ED invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and cited Section 66(2) of PMLA.
Exam lens
Question type: Tamil Nadu anti-corruption and legal provisions, dates September 19, 2024 and February 24, 2016, places Chennai and Perungaluthur, laws PCA 1988 and PMLA 2002. TNPSC may ask about the agencies, the amount ₹27.90 crore, and the relevant Acts.