The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently conducted a raid at the residence of former AIADMK minister C Vijayabaskar in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, March 21.
Investigation Focuses on Former AIADMK Minister
The ED initiated the raid as part of separate money laundering investigations, targeting C Vijayabaskar, a former minister of AIADMK, and a Chennai-based real estate group.
Extensive Searches Carried Out
Official sources revealed that the ED conducted searches across approximately 25 premises in connection with the two cases under investigation.
Connection to Previous Investigations
The investigation against the former health minister stems from a 2022 probe conducted by the state vigilance (DVAC), focusing on allegations of possession of disproportionate assets. Additionally, Vijayabaskar was previously implicated in a “gutkha scam” by the CBI.
Real Estate Group Under Scrutiny
The Enforcement Directorate’s probe also extends to premises associated with the real estate group Gsquare and other related entities in and around Chennai.
ED Summons Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
In a separate development, the ED summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before it on March 21 in relation to the Excise Case. Kejriwal, however, filed a fresh plea seeking protection from coercive action.
Kejriwal Challenges PMLA Declaration
Arvind Kejriwal challenged the declaration of section (2) (s) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as ultra vires and unconstitutional. He argued that the enforcement of PMLA procedures is arbitrary and designed to favor the ruling party during the upcoming general elections. Kejriwal accused the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the ED, of attempting to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the ruling party.
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