E.V. Velu, others booked for illegal excavation of lake bed to level venue for party event
Approximately 45,72,058 cubic feet of lake-bed sand was alleged to have been transported from about 8 acres of the waterbody, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹8.22 crore to the T.N. exchequer
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has filed charges against E.V. Velu, a DMK MLA and former Minister for various departments, his son E.V. Kumaran, and several public servants and contractors for illegally excavating lake-bed material in Malappambadi village, Tiruvannamalai district. The excavation took place in December 2025 for levelling the venue of a DMK Northern Zone Youth Wing Conference.
The alleged misuse of official position to facilitate the excavation resulted in the removal of about 12 acres of lake-bed material, covering 45,72,058 cubic feet of sand. The incident allegedly led to an estimated loss of ₹8.22 crore to the exchequer. Additionally, an approach road was illegally expanded and laid over the tank bund and foreshore area of Malappambadi Lake up to Velu's property.
The DVAC claims that officials, including those from Revenue, Collectorate, Corporation, and Geology and Mining Department, failed to take action despite multiple complaints and information provided, indicating deliberate and wilful inaction.
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