DMK Leader E V Velu’s Premises Searched by DVAC, Stalin Says Party Will Fight Back

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations linked to senior DMK leader E V Velu in Tamil Nadu in connection with a corruption case .

Velu, who served as the Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports in the 2021–26 DMK government headed by Chief Minister M K Stalin , came under the agency’s scrutiny as part of the investigation.

Reacting to the searches, Stalin strongly criticised the move, alleging that it was a “politically motivated” action . In a statement on social media, the DMK chief said Velu was fully cooperating with the authorities and expressed confidence that he would legally defend himself in court.

Stalin claimed that previous corruption cases filed against DMK leaders due to alleged political vendetta had failed to result in convictions. He reiterated that the party had faced similar challenges in the past and would continue to resist what he described as attempts at intimidation.

“The DMK is not an organisation that will succumb to such intimidation ,” Stalin said, adding that the party had overcome greater difficulties and would emerge stronger.

The DVAC searches have once again brought the issue of political accountability and the role of investigative agencies into focus, with the ruling party and opposition forces often trading allegations over the use of anti-corruption probes.