Crores seized in raids on DMK men in Vellore, searches continue in district

Two days after seizing ₹10 lakh from the residence of DMK treasurer Durai Murugan, the I-T officials secured crores of rupees from a cement factory godown in Vellore.  The seized currencies, kept stuffed in cartons and sacks, were in the denomination of ₹200. Incidentally, the godown is believed to be owned by a a DMK functionary and close aide of Durai Murugan.  A probe is on to ascertain if the money was meant for bribing the voters of the Vellore constituency where Durai Murugan’s son Kathir Anand is contesting on a DMK ticket.

Acting on a tip off, the I-T sleuths swooped down on the godown. Also, raids are simultaneously on at residences and educational institutions of six other DMK men in the district.

Chief electoral officer Satyabrata Sahoo said the IT raid in Vellore was going on. When asked whether the Lok Sabha polls in the constituency would be cancelled due to large scale movement of money, Sahoo said the ECI would take a call on it based on the seizure and IT raid reports.

Meanwhile, Durai Murugan moved the Madras High Court, over the ongoing raids, stating that the search has prevented him and his son from campaigning for the polls. The petition is likely to come up for hearing on April 2.

It is to be noted that on March 29 and 30, IT officials raided the residence and educational institutions of Durai Murugan and his son Kathir Anand during which they seized ₹10 lakh from Durai Murugan’s house apart from a few documents which had details of the electorate of the constituency.