E.V. Velu Moves Madras High Court to Quash DVAC FIR in Alleged Highways Scam Case
Former Tamil Nadu Minister Challenges Corruption Case, Seeks Judicial Relief Against Vigilance Probe
Former Tamil Nadu Highways and Minor Ports Minister E.V. Velu has approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the FIR registered against him by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in connection with the alleged highways scam. The petition has been mentioned for urgent listing before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, who hears matters relating to MPs and MLAs.
The petition comes less than two weeks after the DVAC registered a criminal case against Velu and ten others, including present and former Highways Department officials and a private contractor, alleging large-scale irregularities in the execution of road infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu.
According to the FIR, the investigation centres on allegations that payments worth several crores of rupees were released for road works that were either incomplete or allegedly not executed at all. The complaint specifically refers to projects in Karur district, where officials allegedly approved payments amounting to approximately ₹3.23 crore without corresponding execution of the sanctioned works. Additional irregularities have also been alleged in NABARD-funded rural road projects in Karur and Erode divisions.
The DVAC has invoked multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery and use of forged documents, along with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators have alleged that the accused entered into a conspiracy to facilitate wrongful financial gains through fraudulent certification and release of public funds.
Following registration of the FIR, the anti-corruption agency conducted coordinated searches at 14 premises linked to Velu, government officials and the contractor named in the case. The searches formed part of the agency’s effort to collect documentary evidence relating to the award and execution of the contracts under investigation.
The case itself originated from a complaint submitted in 2022 by anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam, which alleged widespread irregularities in the award and implementation of highways contracts. The complaint prompted a detailed inquiry before the DVAC eventually registered the present FIR in June 2026.
Velu’s petition before the High Court is expected to argue that the FIR is legally unsustainable and that the criminal proceedings deserve to be quashed at the threshold. While the detailed grounds of challenge are yet to emerge in court proceedings, the filing marks the former minister’s first major legal response to the corruption allegations.
The development has also acquired political significance. Following the registration of the case and the searches, the DMK defended its senior leader, maintaining that he has cooperated fully with the investigation and would establish his innocence through due legal process. Party leaders have alleged that the action is politically motivated and intended to target opposition figures.
The Madras High Court is expected to decide whether to admit the quashing petition and whether any interim protection should be granted to Velu while the investigation continues. The outcome of the proceedings could have a significant bearing on the future course of the DVAC probe as well as on one of Tamil Nadu’s most closely watched corruption investigations.
