DVAC raids ex-DMK minister KN Nehru's premises in ₹634 crore bribery case
Synopsis
Fresh DVAC raids on former Tamil Nadu minister KN Nehru's properties come days after the Madras High Court rejected his review petition — keeping alive a dual-track probe alleging ₹634 crore in recruitment bribes and over ₹1,020 crore in tender-linked corruption, while Nehru battles the case in the Supreme Court.
Key Takeaways
DVAC conducted fresh searches on 29 October 2026 at properties of former minister K.N.
Nehru in Tiruchirappalli and Chennai .
The recruitment probe alleges approximately ₹634 crore in bribes for 2,538 government posts, with candidates reportedly paying ₹25–35 lakh each.
The Madras High Court dismissed Nehru's review petition on 26 October , clearing the path for Thursday's searches.
A separate contracts investigation alleges over ₹1,020 crore in tender-linked bribes; 241 documents and electronic evidence were seized in September raids covering 30 locations .
Nehru has denied wrongdoing and has challenged the High Court's direction in the Supreme Court .
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday, 29 October 2026 conducted fresh searches at properties linked to former Tamil Nadu minister K.N. Nehru, as investigators pressed ahead with a probe into alleged large-scale corruption in recruitment to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. The searches covered his residences in Tiruchirappalli and Chennai, along with other associated properties.
Background to the Case
The recruitment-linked investigation centres on allegations that approximately ₹634 crore was collected as bribes for appointments to 2,538 posts during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, when Nehru headed the department in question. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), candidates were reportedly asked to pay between ₹25 lakh and ₹35 lakh per government appointment. The ED's material reportedly includes digital communications, recruitment documents, and selection-related records recovered from premises linked to Nehru's brother.
Why DVAC Acted Now
Thursday's operation follows the Madras High Court's dismissal on 26 October of Nehru's petition seeking a review of its earlier direction to register a case based on material supplied by the ED. The court had originally issued that direction on 20 February, and the DVAC subsequently registered a case in June. The High Court has clarified that directing registration of a case does not amount to a finding of guilt — investigators must separately determine whether offences occurred and who, if anyone, bears responsibility.
September Searches and Separate Probe
Thursday's action follows an even larger DVAC operation on 5 September, when officials searched 30 locations across Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode — covering properties linked to Nehru, his relatives, and others. That operation concerned a separate investigation into alleged irregularities in departmental contracts, with the ED alleging that at least ₹1,020 crore was collected through bribes and commissions linked to tender manipulation. The DVAC subsequently reported seizing 241 documents and electronic evidence.
Political Reactions
DMK functionaries and supporters gathered outside Nehru's Tiruchirappalli residence on Thursday after news of the fresh searches spread. Following the September searches, Nehru had denied any wrongdoing, characterised the action as a political vendetta, and vowed to contest the case legally. DMK president M.K. Stalin had also condemned that earlier operation as politically motivated and questioned its timing during the Assembly session. These allegations remain subject to ongoing investigation and no findings of guilt have been established.
Legal Battle Ahead
Nehru has additionally approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's direction, adding a further legal layer to the continuing proceedings. With both the recruitment-linked probe and the separate contracts investigation active simultaneously, the coming weeks are likely to see further legal and investigative developments.
Point of View
Another on contract manipulation — is what makes this case unusual in scale, with combined alleged collections north of ₹1,650 crore. The timing of each enforcement action relative to the Assembly calendar has fed DMK's narrative of political vendetta, but the Madras High Court's back-to-back rulings sustaining the case suggest the judicial record is more uncomfortable for Nehru than party spokespersons admit. With the matter now escalating to the Supreme Court, the legal outcome could set a significant precedent for how courts handle ED-supplied material in state vigilance cases — a question with implications well beyond Tamil Nadu.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did DVAC raid KN Nehru's properties on 29 October 2026?
The DVAC conducted fresh searches following the Madras High Court's dismissal of Nehru's review petition on 26 October, which had sought to halt the investigation. The raids are part of a probe into allegations that approximately ₹634 crore was collected as bribes for appointments to 2,538 government posts in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.
What are the specific corruption allegations against KN Nehru?
Nehru faces two separate investigations. The first concerns alleged recruitment bribes of approximately ₹634 crore, with candidates reportedly charged ₹25–35 lakh per government post. The second involves alleged irregularities in departmental contracts, where the ED has alleged at least ₹1,020 crore was collected through tender manipulation.
What did the Madras High Court rule in the KN Nehru case?
The Madras High Court dismissed Nehru's petition seeking a review of its earlier direction — issued on 20 February — to register a case based on ED material. The court also clarified that directing registration of a case does not constitute a finding of guilt; investigators must separately determine whether offences occurred.
Has KN Nehru responded to the allegations?
Nehru has denied any wrongdoing and described the enforcement actions as politically motivated. He has approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's direction, and has said he intends to contest the case legally.
What is the DMK's position on the raids?
DMK president M.K. Stalin condemned the September searches as politically motivated and questioned their timing during the state Assembly session. Supporters and party functionaries gathered outside Nehru's Tiruchirappalli residence on Thursday following news of the latest raids.
