E.V. Velu questioned by DVAC in ₹3.23 crore highway fraud case
Synopsis
Former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E.V. Velu appeared before the DVAC on 15 July — but only after a Madras High Court directive forced the issue. At the centre of the case: ₹3.23 crore allegedly claimed for a Karur road project that was never built, with 11 accused including nine department engineers and fabricated records seized from 20 locations.
Key Takeaways
Velu , former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister and DMK MLA, appeared before the DVAC in Chennai on 15 July for questioning.
The case involves an alleged ₹3.23 crore fraud linked to a road construction project in Karur district that was reportedly never executed.
A total of 11 accused have been named, including Velu and nine Highways Department engineers .
DVAC conducted searches at 20 locations on 25 June , seizing documents from Velu's Alwarpet residence and other premises.
Velu missed an earlier summons on 3 July , citing medical treatment in Singapore ; the Madras High Court then directed him to appear on 15 July.
The investigation is ongoing; further action will depend on interrogation findings and evidence scrutiny.
Former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA E.V. Velu appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Chennai on 15 July for questioning in connection with an alleged ₹3.23 crore highway fraud case linked to his tenure in the previous DMK administration. The case centres on allegations that public funds were fraudulently claimed for a road construction project in Karur district that was reportedly never executed.
What the Case Alleges
Investigators suspect that false records and fabricated documentation were used to process payments for work that was either incomplete or never carried out. The DVAC has registered a case against Velu, who represents the Tiruvannamalai Assembly constituency, along with nine Highways Department engineers and one other official — bringing the total number of accused to 11.
As part of the probe, DVAC officials conducted searches on 25 June at approximately 20 locations linked to the accused, including Velu's residence in Alwarpet, Chennai. Several documents and records believed to be relevant to the case were seized during those searches and are currently under scrutiny.
Why Velu Missed the First Summons
The anti-corruption agency had initially summoned Velu to appear for questioning on 3 July. He did not present himself on the scheduled date, with his legal representatives informing the agency that he was undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Singapore and was therefore unable to attend.
The matter subsequently reached the Madras High Court, where Velu sought relief against the investigation. The court granted him interim protection from coercive action but directed him to cooperate fully with investigators and appear before the DVAC on 15 July.
Velu Appears Before DVAC
Complying with the court's direction, Velu arrived at the DVAC office in Chennai and appeared before investigating officers. Officials are expected to question him on the execution of the alleged road project, the approval process for the expenditure, and the documents recovered during the June searches.
Notably, this case is part of a broader scrutiny of alleged irregularities in road infrastructure projects undertaken during the previous DMK government — a pattern that anti-corruption bodies have been examining across multiple districts.
What Happens Next
The DVAC investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on findings emerging from the ongoing interrogation and scrutiny of the evidence collected. The outcome of Velu's questioning is expected to shape the agency's next steps, including whether additional accused are summoned or charges are formally framed.
Point of View
Attributed to medical treatment abroad, will draw scrutiny regardless of its legitimacy. More broadly, the case fits a recurring pattern in Tamil Nadu politics where infrastructure project funds become a corruption flashpoint across administrations. With 11 accused including nine engineers, the probe has the potential to expose systemic approval failures — not just individual wrongdoing. Whether the DVAC pursues that systemic angle or settles for peripheral convictions will determine the real accountability value of this investigation.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DVAC highway fraud case against E.V. Velu?
The case alleges that ₹3.23 crore in public funds were fraudulently claimed for a road construction project in Karur district that was reportedly never executed. The DVAC has registered a case against former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E.V. Velu and 10 others, including nine Highways Department engineers, on charges of fabricating records and processing payments for incomplete or non-existent work.
Why did E.V. Velu not appear before the DVAC on 3 July?
Velu's legal representatives informed the DVAC that he was undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Singapore and was unable to attend the scheduled questioning on 3 July. He subsequently sought relief from the Madras High Court, which granted interim protection from coercive action but directed him to appear before the DVAC on 15 July.
What did the DVAC find during its searches on 25 June?
DVAC officials searched approximately 20 locations linked to the accused, including Velu's residence in Alwarpet, Chennai. Several documents and records believed to be relevant to the alleged fraud were seized; these are currently being examined to determine the extent of the financial irregularities.
How many people are accused in the case?
A total of 11 people have been named as accused — former minister E.V. Velu, nine Highways Department engineers, and one other official — all in connection with the alleged ₹3.23 crore highway fraud in Karur district.
What happens after Velu's DVAC questioning?
The DVAC investigation is ongoing. Further action — including whether additional accused are summoned or formal charges are framed — will depend on findings from Velu's interrogation and the scrutiny of documents seized during the June searches.
