Former Minister E.V. Velu wants Madras High Court to quash First Information Report (FIR) against him . It's tied to alleged corruption in highway projects . FIR was lodged by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on June 26,2026. Accuses Velu of misusing public funds meant for roadworks in state .
Case began with complaint from Jayaram Venkatesan,convenor of anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam, on April 20,2022. Venkatesan claims over ₹5,000 crore allocated by State Highways Department under its Road Infrastructure Development Programme,but corruption and mismanagement were rampant. He highlighted specific frauds,including one where contractor got ₹3.23 crore for road work never done.
Velu's plea gets hearing on July 7,2026, before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan,who handles MP/MLA cases . Velu, an MLA for Tiruvannamalai,asked court to waive requirement for original FIR first. Only then will main petition to quash FIR get numbered.
Venkatesan's complaint details multiple corruption allegations statewide . He mentioned another case where contractor got ₹1.5 crore in March 2022 without doing work in Karur subdivision. Also a news report said about ₹25 crore disbursed in Kancheepuram for projects unexecuted.
DVAC's FIR against Velu includes charges against nine former highway department officials,one contractor,and others unnamed. Charges fall under sections of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Indian Penal Code.
Venkatesan stresses need for thorough probe to find out total public funds misappropriated. Says evidence points to systemic fraud and corruption,leading to unjust enrichment for contractors in highway projects…
