Ex-AIADMK Minister R. Vaithilingam in Trouble as ED Attaches ₹100 Crore Assets

On January 9, 2025, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) took decisive action against R. Vaithilingam, an MLA for Orathanadu and former Tamil Nadu Minister for Housing and Urban Development, by attaching immovable properties valued at over ₹100 crore. These properties, registered under Muthammal Estates Private Limited—a company owned by Vaithilingam's family—were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering linked to Vaithilingam.

The investigation by the ED was initiated following a complaint lodged by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The DVAC accused Vaithilingam of engaging in corrupt practices during his tenure as Minister by allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹27.90 crore from M/s Shriram Properties and Infrastructure. This hefty sum was purportedly in exchange for granting planning permission for a real estate project. The seriousness of these allegations prompted a thorough examination of Vaithilingam's financial dealings.

Through meticulous investigation, the ED unveiled a complex scheme orchestrated to launder the bribe money. The funds, which were supposed to be for the purchase of land by Shriram group entities, were never actually intended for real estate acquisition. Instead, this money was funneled through several shell companies before being deposited into accounts belonging to M/s Muthammal Estates. This elaborate setup concealed the true nature of the transactions, allowing the bribe money to be used for buying various properties in Tiruchi.