Congress alleges Puducherry Speaker tried to secure bank loan for accused in counterfeit drug case

The Congress has accused Puducherry Speaker R. Selvam of attempting to facilitate the main accused in the counterfeit drug case, Raja, in securing a high-value bank loan to start a business venture.

Addressing a press conference in the Union Territory (UT), former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy alleged that Mr. Selvam had “close contact” with the accused, Raja. “In fact, many members of the ruling party maintained close contact with the main accused,” he charged. Mr. Selvam had introduced Raja to the Union Finance Ministry for a loan. He further alleged that the loan process had been initiated by a bank but was halted after the drug case came to light. He claimed that the Speaker made attempts to secure the loan by hiding the credentials of Raja.

However, when contacted by The Hindu, Mr. Selvam said he had intervened regarding the loan without knowing Raja’s involvement in the counterfeit drug business. “Three research students from IIT wanted to associate with Raja to manufacture a product. In that context, I made a recommendation to the Ministry for the loan, but the loan was not processed. It was the Congress that helped Raja start a business in Puducherry, not us,” Mr. Selvam claimed.

On CBI probe

Mr. Selvam further said the ruling party had nothing to hide, as the government had initiated a CB-CID probe after receiving a complaint. “The BJP, which is part of the ruling government, has demanded a CBI probe. You will soon hear from the government regarding the demand for a CBI investigation made by political parties,” he added.

He also sought answers from Mr. Narayanasamy and Member of Parliament and PCC chief, V. Vaithilingam, regarding the permission granted by the Congress government in 2017 for Raja to start the company. The Speaker also asked Mr. Vaithilingam to declare the source of the money seized from his relative’s house during the Lok Sabha polls. “We know where the money came from; the details will be shared soon,” Mr. Selvam said.

‘Ready to face inquiry’

When the issue of permission was raised at the Congress press conference, Mr. Narayanasamy, who was the Chief Minister in 2017, said the file must have been cleared at the level of the Drugs Department. “In any case, I have openly stated my willingness to face any inquiry on the subject. They are in government and are free to file a case,” he said.

Mr. Vaithilingam said the BJP was now raising the Thirupparankundram issue in Puducherry to divert public attention from the drug case. “They are bringing BJP leaders from Tamil Nadu to Puducherry to speak on the deepam issue to divert attention from the drug case,” he alleged.