ED Raids Tamil Nadu Minister’s Homes in Scandal
Searches target Periyasamy, family in money laundering probe.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched simultaneous raids on Saturday morning at multiple properties linked to Tamil Nadu’s Rural Development Minister I Periyasamy, his son, DMK MLA IP Senthil Kumar, and his daughter, Indrani, in Dindigul, as part of a high-profile money laundering investigation. The operation, which began early in the day, has heightened political tensions in the state, with local DMK cadres gathering near the targeted sites.
A team of ED officials from Madurai conducted a search at Periyasamy’s residence in Durairaj Nagar, while separate teams targeted Senthil Kumar’s home in Seelapadi and Indrani’s house in Vallalar Nagar. The raids, supported by armed CRPF personnel, are probing allegations of illegal money laundering tied to a revived disproportionate assets case against the minister and his family, which was reinstated by the Madras High Court on April 29, 2025.
Sources indicate the ED is scrutinizing financial records and property documents, following leads on illicit transactions. The minister’s family has faced prior scrutiny from central agencies for alleged financial irregularities, with a Supreme Court hearing on related charges scheduled for August 18. The operation has sparked protests from DMK supporters, who allege political targeting by central agencies, while opposition parties argue the raids are essential to combat corruption.
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Periyasamy, a senior DMK leader, and his son, the Dindigul East district secretary and Palani MLA, are prominent figures in Tamil Nadu politics. The raids mark a continuation of the ED’s aggressive investigations in the state, following probes into other DMK leaders and associates, including a ₹1,000-crore TASMAC irregularity case and sand mafia operations. The outcome of these searches could have significant political and legal ramifications, further straining ties between the DMK-led state government and central enforcement agencies.
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