ED Conducts Raids at Properties Linked to TN Minister K.N. Nehru's Sibling
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Synopsis
On April 7, the ED raided the properties of a construction firm owned by Ravichandran, brother of TN Minister K.N. Nehru, as part of an investigation into suspected illegal financial activities across various sites in Chennai.
Key Takeaways
- ED conducted raids on a construction firm owned by Ravichandran.
- Over 10 private firms and project sites in Chennai were searched.
- Investigations focus on suspected illegal financial transactions.
- Raids are part of broader ED actions against liquor sector irregularities.
- Senthil Balaji's associates also targeted in ongoing investigation.
Chennai, April 7 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed searches on Monday at the facilities of a construction firm run by Ravichandran, who is the brother of Tamil Nadu's municipal administration Minister K.N. Nehru.
As per reports, the ED is probing over 10 private construction companies and project sites throughout key areas in Chennai, such as Teynampet, Alwarpet, Besant Nagar, CIT Colony, and MRC Nagar.
These operations are believed to be part of an inquiry into suspected illicit financial dealings. The complete details of the investigation, including any documents or items confiscated, are anticipated to be disclosed following the conclusion of the ongoing raids.
This incident is a continuation of the ED's recent efforts against the liquor sector in Tamil Nadu. On March 6, the agency embarked on extensive raids connected to alleged discrepancies within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which monopolizes the distribution of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in the state. The searches also reached the TASMAC headquarters located in the Thalamuthu Natarajan Building in Egmore, along with the offices of major liquor distributors and distilleries.
Among the properties subjected to raids were those owned by DMK leader Jagathrakshakan, SNJ Distilleries on Greams Road, Akkadu Distillers in T. Nagar, and an MGM liquor contractor on Radha Krishnan Salai.
Additional searches took place at Shiva Distillery in Coimbatore's Narasimhanaickenpalayam.
Insiders from the ED have confirmed that these initiatives aim to uncover financial irregularities and potential money laundering related to TASMAC contracts and operations.
The ED's focus also included individuals connected to Minister V. Senthil Balaji. On March 6, roughly 20 ED officials arrived in Karur to search various locations, including the residences of close associates of Senthil Balaji — such as Mani, the proprietor of Kongu Mess in Rayanur; Sakthivel, of Sakthi Mess in Gothai Nagar; and PWD contractor M.C.S. Sankar in Palaniappan Nagar.
It is important to mention that Senthil Balaji was apprehended by the ED on June 14, 2023, in relation to a money laundering case tied to an alleged cash-for-jobs scheme during his period as Transport Minister under the AIADMK administration.
Following his arrest, he joined the DMK and was later appointed as the Minister for Electricity and Prohibition. On August 12, 2023, the ED submitted a 3,000-page indictment against him, alleging he exploited his official capacity for personal benefit. The document further asserted that Balaji orchestrated the scam with assistance from his brother R.V. Ashok Kumar, personal aides, and officials from the Transport Department, directly gaining from the illicit funds generated through the operation.
As raids continue throughout the state, the ED's inquiry appears to be escalating, targeting a wider network of political and business entities implicated in alleged financial misconduct.
