Who dumped WhatsApp chat printouts near Tasmac MD’s house?

In a sensational turn in the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam, printouts of WhatsApp chats were found discarded outside the residence of TASMAC Managing Director Visakan during a recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid in Manapakkam, Chennai. This curious discovery has triggered sharp allegations, deepened political intrigue, and left both ED and Visakan offering contrasting explanations.

ED raid and recovery

On May 16, the ED raided Visakan’s residence as part of its investigation into alleged corruption in Tamil Nadu’s liquor procurement and retailing operations. During the search, journalists noticed bundles of WhatsApp chat printouts lying outside his home. The ED quickly retrieved the documents.

ED sources later confirmed that Visakan himself had discarded the papers, allegedly moments before opening the door to officials.

Inside the chats

According to sources, the discarded chats include exchanges between Visakan and several individuals, including Ratheesh, a close aide of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The messages reportedly reference liquor procurement deals and the selection of bar contractors.

These details, if verified, could implicate key players in the liquor trade and intensify scrutiny over TASMAC’s political links.

Why discard them?

ED sources allege that Visakan delayed opening his door by 10–15 minutes—a window during which he may have panicked and tried to get rid of sensitive documents.

"Some claim Visakan’s friends tossed these papers outside his house as a diversion tactic," said The Federal’s Mahalingam from the scene. “Others believe the ED leaked them to expose his hidden connections.”

Meanwhile, Visakan allegedly told the ED that he printed the chats for safekeeping, in case his phone was seized, and may have also used them to prepare for questioning.

Timelines in dispute

While the ED says the papers were discarded before the raid began, Visakan’s team disputes this, arguing that ED officials arrived at 6 am, but the printouts were seen by journalists only around 11 am.

They ask a key question: Why would Visakan destroy evidence that was already with the ED?

Furthermore, sources close to Visakan have refuted theories that he leaked the documents or attempted to destroy them intentionally.

Political fallout

The scandal has reached the political front lines. AIADMK has targeted Udhayanidhi Stalin, pointing to his alleged connection to Ratheesh, who reportedly fled during the ED’s raid.

Despite repeated requests, TASMAC MD Visakan has refused to comment. The case has now become a political flashpoint with rival narratives shaping public perception.

What next?

As of now, the Supreme Court has stayed the ED’s investigation, but the agency is pursuing legal options to get the stay lifted.

“The next chapter in this liquor scam probe is yet to be written,” Mahalingam reported from outside Visakan’s residence. “Tamil Nadu waits for answers.”

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