TN Minister Ponmudy, Both His Sons, Appear for Illegal Red Sand Quarrying Case

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy, along with his sons Gautham Sigamani, a Lok Sabha MP from Kallakurichi, and Ashok Sigamani, president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, appeared before a special court in Chennai today in connection with an illegal red sand quarrying case.

The high-profile case centers on allegations that Ponmudy abused his authority as Minister for Mines and Minerals between 2007 and 2011 to enable unauthorized quarrying in Villupuram, resulting in a significant financial loss to the state.

The hearing, overseen by Additional Special Judge for CBI cases S. Ezhil Velavan, saw Ponmudy file a petition seeking exemption from future personal court appearances. Citing his responsibilities as a minister and deputy general secretary of the DMK, Ponmudy argued that his duties necessitated the relief. The judge directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating potential money laundering tied to the case, to submit its response to the request.

The controversy traces back to a 2012 complaint by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which accused Ponmudy of facilitating illegal quarrying that cost Tamil Nadu Rs 28.36 crore. The ED took up the case in 2023, conducting raids on properties linked to Ponmudy and his family and later filing a detailed charge sheet alleging misuse of power and financial misconduct.

As the investigation unfolds, the court’s decision on Ponmudy’s exemption plea remains pending, with the ED’s stance expected to shape the next phase of this closely watched legal battle.