DVAC searches premises linked to DMK’s Tiruvannamalai MP C.N. Annadurai

Officials from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Friday (September 25, 2026) conducted searches at various premises linked to Tiruvannamalai MP C.N. Annadurai (DMK) at Vengaikaal village near the Office of the Collectorate in Tiruvannamalai.

DVAC sources said the searches began at around 7 a.m. at the residence of Mr. Annadurai. Teams from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DVAC) Arul, conducted the searches. A two-time MP from the constituency, Mr. Annadurai was present when the searches were conducted at his house.

It is learnt that searches were also being conducted at APU Constructions, linked to the MP, which handled more than 50 road works and other contracts of the Highways Department.

What is the case about?

The searches came in the wake of complaints filed by Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, with the DVAC at its headquarters in Chennai on August 13. It has been alleged that large-scale sand from the dry lake bed at Malappambadi village near Tiruvannamalai town was illegally mined, reportedly based on the directions of former PWD and Highways Minister E.V. Velu, for a DMK public meeting last year.

It was alleged in the complaint that a large quantity of sand was mined to reportedly level an open land, which covers 124.56 acres, to organise the conference by the DMK. The conference was attended by then Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and his son and former Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. The sand theft reportedly led to a loss to the tune of ₹8 crore to State exchequer, the complainant claimed.

In June this year, the DVAC had conducted searches at educational institutions linked to Mr. Velu in Kilnachipattu village near Tiruvannamalai town on the Vellore-Thoothukudi High Road. In March 2023, similar searches were conducted at several premises linked to Mr. Velu in Tiruvannamalai by the Income Tax Department.