The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against DMK former minister E.V. Velu following a complaint alleging large-scale illegal removal of soil from the Malappambadi lake in Tiruvannamalai district.
According to the complaint filed by Arappor Iyakkam on August 13, the soil was allegedly taken to level a venue linked to the DMK’s northern zone youth wing conference, which was coordinated by Velu.
The complaint claims soil was excavated across about 12 acres of the lake, to depths ranging from 10 to 23 feet (around 3 to 7 metres), exceeding legally permitted limits. It further alleges that 45,72,058 cubic feet of soil was removed and transported to land belonging to Arunai Products and Services Private Limited, said to be owned by Velu’s son, E.V. Kumaran.
Arappor Iyakkam also alleged that no permissions were obtained from the Revenue Department, the local body, or the Geology and Mining Department. DVAC has now booked a case against Velu and Kumaran. Separately, DVAC is already probing another complaint against Velu related to alleged irregularities in a Highways Department tender.
