Chennai Court Orders Fresh Probe into Rs 28 Crore Bribery Case Against MLA Vaithilingam

A civil court in Chennai has ordered a fresh investigation into an alleged Rs 28 crore bribery case against former AIADMK housing minister and current DMK MLA Vaithilingam. The judicial order sets aside a closure report previously submitted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) and grants the anti-corruption agency a period of three months to complete the new probe.

The ruling came after the Chennai court heard a petition filed by anti-corruption non-governmental organisation Arappor Iyakkam. The organisation had challenged the DVAC’s decision to close the bribery case. During the court hearing, the DVAC itself submitted to the court that a further investigation into the matter was indeed required.

The case dates back to allegations concerning events in 2015 and 2016. According to the complaint lodged by Arappor Iyakkam, Vaithilingam accepted a bribe of Rs 28 crore from Shriram Properties during his tenure as the housing minister under the AIADMK administration. The alleged illegal gratification was paid in exchange for granting official planning approval for a 1,400-apartment housing project.

Specific financial allegations made by the NGO state that an amount of Rs 27.9 crore was transferred from Bharat Coal and Chemicals, a company associated with the Shriram Group. The funds were allegedly routed directly into the account of Muthammal Estate Private Limited, a corporate entity owned by the son of the current DMK lawmaker.

Action on the matter began when the DVAC registered a First Information Report (FIR) in September 2024, following the initial complaint submitted by Arappor Iyakkam. However, despite initiating formal legal proceedings, the anti-corruption agency chose to file a closure report before the Chennai court in February 2026.

Following the submission of the closure report, Arappor Iyakkam moved the magistrate's court in Chennai to challenge the agency's conclusion. The organisation requested the court to set aside the DVAC's closure report and issue directions for a fresh probe into the transactions.

With the court accepting the request and ordering a further investigation, the DVAC now has three months to re-examine the allegations involving Vaithilingam, Shriram Properties, Bharat Coal and Chemicals, and Muthammal Estate Private Limited regarding the planning approvals granted for the housing project.