TN ex-Minister E.V. Velu to appear before DVAC on July 15, denies evading ₹3.23 crore probe
Synopsis
Former Tamil Nadu Minister E.V. Velu returned from Singapore and confirmed he will face DVAC questioning on 15 July in a ₹3.23 crore Highways Department tender case — but the real question is whether his documented medical records will hold up against investigators who raided 20 locations and seized ₹40 lakh in cash on the very day he was originally set to fly out.
Key Takeaways
Former Tamil Nadu Minister E.V.
Velu confirmed he will appear before the DVAC on 15 July for questioning.
The case involves alleged irregularities in Highways Department contracts causing a ₹3.23 crore loss to the state exchequer.
Velu denies evading the probe, citing a pre-planned medical visit to Mount Elizabeth Hospital , Singapore, since 26 June .
DVAC conducted searches at 20 locations across six Tamil Nadu cities on 25 June , seizing ₹40 lakh in cash and digital evidence.
The case was registered against Velu, nine government officials , and a private contractor based on a complaint by Arappor Iyakkam .
Former Tamil Nadu Minister E.V. Velu on Sunday, 12 July confirmed he would appear before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on 15 July for questioning in the alleged ₹3.23 crore Highways Department tender irregularities case. Velu flatly rejected claims that his recent trip to Singapore was an attempt to evade the ongoing investigation.
Velu's Statement on Returning to Chennai
Speaking to reporters upon his return to Chennai from Singapore, Velu said he had already notified the investigating agency of his travel plans and had asked his legal counsel to seek additional time after receiving the DVAC summons. He maintained that his cooperation with investigators had never been in doubt.
'I will definitely appear before the DVAC on July 15 and cooperate fully with the investigation. Since the matter is before the court, I do not wish to make further comments. I have complete faith in the judiciary. I have not committed any wrongdoing and I am confident that justice will prevail,' he said.
Why Velu Travelled to Singapore
Velu stated that his Singapore visit was planned well in advance for routine medical check-ups at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he has reportedly been receiving treatment since 2016 and also sought medical care in 2023. He said he decided to undergo another health evaluation following the Assembly election.
According to Velu, he applied for a Singapore visa on 15 June, received it on 17 June, and booked travel for 25 June. However, DVAC officials conducted searches at his residence on the morning of 25 June, prompting him to delay his departure by a day. He departed for Singapore on 26 June and underwent cardiac, neurological, gastrointestinal, and allergy-related examinations, remaining under medical observation throughout his stay.
'I have all the medical records and doctors' reports. I did not travel out of fear or to avoid the investigation. My visit was solely for medical treatment,' he said.
The DVAC Case: What Is Alleged
The DVAC registered the case against Velu, nine government officials, and a private contractor based on a complaint filed by civil society organisation Arappor Iyakkam. The complaint alleges irregularities in the award of Highways Department contracts that purportedly caused a loss of ₹3.23 crore to the state exchequer.
On 25 June, the agency conducted searches at 20 locations across Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Karur, Dindigul, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur. Investigators seized official records, digital evidence, documents related to the alleged irregularities, and assets — including ₹40 lakh in cash. Velu was subsequently summoned for questioning, and his lawyers sought a 10-day extension citing his medical treatment abroad.
What Happens Next
Velu reaffirmed on Sunday that he would appear before the DVAC as scheduled on 15 July. With the matter now before the courts and a multi-location search already completed, the agency's questioning of the former minister will be a closely watched development in Tamil Nadu's ongoing anti-corruption scrutiny of public works contracting.
Point of View
Regardless of how thorough his medical documentation is. Tamil Nadu's anti-corruption machinery has in recent years leaned heavily on Arappor Iyakkam complaints, which carry credibility but also reflect a pattern of civil society driving enforcement that the state itself has been slow to initiate. The broader question is systemic: if nine government officials and a private contractor are also named, the irregularities in Highways Department contracting appear structural, not isolated. Velu's appearance on 15 July will matter less than what the DVAC does with the digital evidence and ₹40 lakh in cash already in its possession.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is E.V. Velu being questioned by the DVAC?
E.V. Velu is being questioned in connection with alleged irregularities in the award of Tamil Nadu Highways Department contracts that reportedly caused a ₹3.23 crore loss to the state exchequer. The DVAC registered the case based on a complaint by Arappor Iyakkam against Velu, nine government officials, and a private contractor.
When will E.V. Velu appear before the DVAC?
Velu has confirmed he will appear before the DVAC on 15 July. His lawyers had earlier sought a 10-day extension citing his medical treatment in Singapore.
Why did E.V. Velu travel to Singapore during the investigation?
Velu says his Singapore trip was a pre-planned medical visit to Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he has reportedly received treatment since 2016. He applied for the visa on 15 June and booked travel for 25 June — before the DVAC searches were conducted that morning. He departed a day later on 26 June.
What did the DVAC find during its searches?
On 25 June, DVAC conducted searches at 20 locations across Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Karur, Dindigul, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur. Investigators seized official records, digital evidence, documents related to alleged irregularities, and ₹40 lakh in cash.
Who filed the complaint that led to the DVAC case?
The complaint was filed by Arappor Iyakkam, a Tamil Nadu-based civil society organisation, alleging that irregularities in the award of Highways Department contracts caused a ₹3.23 crore loss to the state exchequer.
