DVAC Granted Three Months to Deepen Bribery Probe Against Ex-Housing Minister

Judicial Green Light for Renewed Financial Scrutiny

A designated anti-corruption tribunal has cleared the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to resume its inquiries into former Housing and Urban Development Minister R. Vaithilingam. The court's directive stipulates that investigators must complete their work as quickly as possible, setting a strict deadline of three months for the submission of a comprehensive progress report. This decision follows a formal petition from the DVAC seeking to expand the scope of their current case.

The Scope of the Allegations

The investigation centers on a 27.9-crore corruption claim dating back to Vaithilingam's time in office between 2011 and 2016. While he served as a high-ranking official in the AIADMK administration during that window, the legal trajectory of this case has seen significant shifts alongside his political career. Key milestones in the timeline include:

• 2011–2016: Vaithilingam holds the Housing and Urban Development portfolio.
• September 19, 2024: Official registration of the corruption case by the DVAC.
• January 2026: Vaithilingam resigns his position as an AIADMK legislator to join the ruling DMK party.
• February 2026: The DVAC initially submits a closure report regarding the allegations.

The current ruling effectively pauses any permanent dismissal of the charges, allowing the state's oversight body to re-examine the financial evidence. Vaithilingam currently maintains his seat in the legislative assembly representing the DMK. The court's order ensures that the agency has the mandate to explore new leads or clarify inconsistencies that may have surfaced since the initial filing and the subsequent closure attempt earlier this year.

Source: The Hindu — News