ED Raids Uncover ₹1,000 Crore Scam in Tamil Nadu’s TASMAC
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Chennai, has exposed a massive financial scam within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Chennai, has exposed a massive financial scam within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the state’s liquor monopoly, following raids from March 6, 2025.
A press release issued today reveals a network of corruption involving unaccounted cash generation exceeding ₹1,000 crore, implicating distilleries, bottling companies, and TASMAC officials.
TASMAC, established in 1983, manages over 4,829 retail outlets and generates ₹30,000 crore annually, but its history is marred by corruption allegations. The ED’s investigation, launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, stems from 41 FIRs by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) over 15 years, highlighting overcharging, kickbacks, and bribery.
The raids targeted TASMAC’s headquarters, distilleries like SNJ and Accord (owned by DMK MP Jagathrakshakan), and associates of Minister V. Senthil Balaji.
The ED found that distilleries (SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, Shiva) and bottling firms (Devi Bottles, Crystal Bottles, GLR Holding) inflated expenses and fabricated purchases to siphon cash, using kickbacks to secure TASMAC orders. Bottling companies inflated sales figures, routing excess payments withdrawn as cash after commissions.
Within TASMAC, bar license tenders were manipulated, with KYC-deficient applicants receiving over ₹100 crore annually, while transfer postings involved ₹10-30 per bottle charges favoring distilleries. Direct communication between officials and distilleries for undue favors was also uncovered.
Politically, the DMK calls it “vendetta” by the central government, while the BJP accuses the DMK of corruption. Social media posts reflect public outrage, questioning media silence from DMK-linked channels. With the probe ongoing, the ED is scrutinizing TASMAC staff and associates, but the lack of evidence tying political figures directly to the funds raises impartiality concerns.
This scandal underscores systemic issues in TASMAC, necessitating reforms like digital tracking and audits to curb corruption across party lines. Tamil Nadu awaits justice as the investigation deepens.
