Cases against ex-DMK Ministers based on complaints and evidence, not political vendetta: Law Minister

Tamil Nadu Minister for Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Thursday said there is no political vendetta against former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and his arrest was solely based on the basis of a case following complaints lodged by educational institutions alleging extortion of money from them.

Speaking to media, Mr. Kumar said several schools had lodged complaints alleging that money had been collected from them and there were allegations of corruption to the tune of nearly ₹400 crore.

He alleged brokers had been appointed at the district level to collect money from schools for the “party fund.” The Madras High Court had said the case required custodial interrogation

To a question in searches at the premises linked to former Minister K. N. Nehru, Mr. Kumar said two cases had been registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), and a search was conducted two months before in connection with one of the cases.

He alleged jobs had been promised to 2,300 people through Anna University and ₹30 lakh to ₹40 lakh was collected from each of them. He claimed nearly ₹800 crore was collected and said there was digital evidence supported the case. He denied any intention to target anyone, asserting that the action was only based on evidence.

To a question on Theni jailbreak and security in prisons, Mr. Kumar said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government has ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in all prisons across Tamil Nadu.

He said scanning machines in some central prisons were not functioning and that funds has been allocated in the budget to purchase scanners. Measures were under way to equip prison warders and police personnel with body cameras while interacting with prisoners.