TN: ED summons Tasmac top brass in ‘Rs 1,000-cr liquor scam’ probe
The officials, who skipped earlier summons citing court cases and personal reasons, have been directed to appear at the ED office for questioning within 7 days
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to senior Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) officials, including Managing Director S Visakan (IAS) and General Managers S Sangeetha and T Ramaduraimurugan, in connection with an alleged Rs 1,000-crore liquor scam.
The officials, who skipped earlier summons citing court cases and personal reasons, have been directed to appear at the ED’s Nungambakkam office within seven days for questioning under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Also Read: Why exempt state premises from ED searches: Madras HC to TN govt in Tasmac case
Incriminating evidence
The ED’s investigation stems from a three-day search operation conducted from March 6 to 8 at Tasmac's headquarters in Egmore, Chennai, targeting allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering. The agency claims to have uncovered incriminating evidence, including manipulated tender processes, inflated liquor prices, and unaccounted cash transactions worth Rs 1,000 crore involving distilleries and bottling companies.
Also Read: Madras HC rejects pleas of TN govt, TASMAC; upholds ED probe
The ED’s actions were prompted by 46 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) between 2017 and 2024, alleging corrupt practices by Tasmac officials.
Madras HC order
This fresh development occurs after the Madras High Court upheld the legality of the ED’s raid on the Tasmac headquarters, dismissing petitions filed by the Tamil Nadu government and Tasmac officials challenging the ED’s actions.
The court, in its 66-page order by Justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar, rejected claims that the ED’s three-day search violated federal rights or constituted harassment. Procedural inconveniences cannot obstruct the pursuit of economic justice, the judges said.
Also Read: Tasmac continues to power TN's treasury with Rs 48,344 cr tax revenue in FY25
The Madras High Court also emphasised that public servants, including Tasmac officials, have a duty to cooperate with investigating agencies on the alleged liquor scam.
Detailed questionnaire
The ED has prepared a detailed questionnaire focusing on the alleged scam, signalling an intensification of the probe, particularly on the money trail. ED officials stated that they are preparing to forensically analyse the electronic devices seized during the raid on Tasmac's headquarters and other locations to uncover further evidence in the Rs 1,000-crore liquor scam investigation.
