- विज्ञापन -
Vellore: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) extended its searches early Saturday at multiple sites associated with DMK MP Kathir Anand, including the engineering college he owns. The operations, which began Friday morning, have now lasted over 24 hours.
The raid at Kingston College of Engineering in Christianpet, Katpadi, involved more than 18 ED officials. Reports indicate that unaccounted cash was seized from a college locker and later transported under security to State Bank of India employees.
Investigators are examining significant documents related to the college as part of the ongoing inquiry. Additionally, searches were conducted at the residence of DMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Minister S. Duraimurugan, and his son, Kathir Anand, in Gandhi Nagar, Katpadi. This operation commenced around 2 p.m. Friday and lasted approximately 11 hours, concluding around 1:35 a.m. Saturday.
Officials encountered difficulties during the search, including accessing a locked room at Duraimurugan’s home, requiring a staff member to use a crowbar to break open the door, which caused a disturbance in the area. The ED left with seized documents, accompanied by armed security forces.
These raids have raised allegations of political targeting by the central agency, with DMK leaders claiming that the ED is operating under political pressure to tarnish the party’s image. Kathir Anand, the son of senior DMK leader Duraimurugan, represents the Vellore Lok Sabha constituency and is a notable party figure.
The ED has yet to issue an official statement regarding the searches or the evidence gathered. However, the lengthy operation and the confiscation of cash and documents indicate an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct. This raid is part of a series of actions by central agencies against DMK leaders, escalating tensions between the state government and central authorities. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
