E.V. Velu, others booked for illegal excavation of lake bed to level venue for party event
The DVAC has registered a case against DMK MLA E.V. Velu and others for the illegal excavation of lake-bed material to level a venue for a party conference. The operation allegedly caused significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues of political corruption and the environmental degradation of public water bodies in India.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against E.V. Velu, DMK MLA and formerly Minister for Highways, Minor Ports, and Public Works, his son E.V. Kumaran, other public servants, and contractors, among others on charges of unauthorised excavation of lake-bed material in Malappambadi village in Tiruvannamalai district for levelling the venue of a DMK Northern Zone Youth Wing Conference held in December 2025.
The case was registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by Jayaram Venkatesan, convener, Arappor Iyakkam.
The allegation is that Mr. Velu misused his official position and facilitated excavation and removal of lake-bed material from Malappambadi Lake, covering about 12 acres.
The material was excavated to a depth of about 10-23 feet from November 2025 to the first week of December 2025, for levelling the conference venue, with the active connivance of the Revenue, Collectorate, Corporation, and other officials concerned.
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