The Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to complete its investigation into an alleged Rs 100-crore irregularity at Madurai Central Prison and submit a final report within four months.
The case stems from a petition filed by B. Pugazhendi, an advocate and director of the Prisoners’ Rights Centre. The petition alleged that officials created false accounts showing that stationery and medical items produced by inmates were supplied to courts and government departments, and that wages were paid to prisoners, during the period from 2016 to 2021.
Earlier, a bench headed by the Chief Justice had observed that the anti-corruption agency could register a First Information Report if there was prima facie material. In the latest hearing before a bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and M. Jyothiraman, the petitioner’s counsel sought an expedited probe citing the seriousness of the allegations.
The DVAC, represented by the Additional Public Prosecutor, sought more time to complete a detailed inquiry. After hearing both sides, the court ordered that a special team headed by a senior IPS officer be formed and the final report be filed within four months, while noting that departmental action against officials linked to the case may continue.
