Tamil Nadu: ED Raids Properties Of Panneerselvam's Aide, Orathanad MLA Vaithilingam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at the properties of AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam's supporter and Orathanad MLA R. Vaithilingam in Tamil Nadu, according to reports from local media as part of a money laundering case investigation.

A team of 11 ED officers began searches early on Wednesday (Oct. 23) at Vaithilingam's residence in Orathanadu, Thanjavur district, and other properties linked to him in four cities including Chennai. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that he amassed wealth through illegal means during his tenure as a minister between 2011 and 2016.

The investigation, which stems from a previous inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Department, focuses on claims that Vaithilingam acquired assets disproportionate to his income while serving as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development in Jayalalithaa's AIADMK government.

Vaithilingam, who held the ministerial post until his defeat in the 2016 state assembly election, has represented the Orathanad constituency multiple times, winning elections in 2001, 2006, and 2011. However, in July 2022, he, along with O. Panneerselvam, was expelled from AIADMK for "anti-party" activities by the party's General Council.

The Enforcement Directorate is conducting raids at the premises of AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam's supporter and Orathanad MLA Vaithilingam in Tamil Nadu, according to reports in Tamil media.