DMK Legal Wing Seeks Police Probe Over Bribery Claims Involving State Minister

UPDATE - follow-up to DMK seeks DVAC inquiry into Minister Rajmohan's allegation of being offered bribery for post: DMK legal wing joint secretary I. Paranthamen lodged a formal complaint on Monday with the Director of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption. He asked the agency to register a First Information Report into claims that School Education Minister A. Rajmohan was offered five crore rupees to secure the post of president of the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram.

Complaint Details

In his petition, Mr. Paranthamen pointed out that the Minister mentioned the bribery attempt during the Tamil Nadu Day celebrations on Sunday. According to the complaint, the bribe offer came through Loyola Mani, who serves as the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation. The petitioner noted that the Minister failed to report the matter to any law enforcement agency when it happened and only spoke about it publicly on November 1 without naming the person who made the offer.

Demands For Investigation

The complaint also highlights that singer Pushpavanam Kuppusamy has since taken over as the president of the mandram. Mr. Paranthamen argued that both the Minister and Mr. Mani hid the alleged bribe offer and covered up evidence of a crime, making them equally responsible. He urged officials to launch a full inquiry and collect all records, messages, and calls exchanged between the Minister, Mr. Mani, and the unidentified person who offered the money.

Context

Anti-corruption agencies like the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption investigate public servants and officials accused of taking bribes or misusing their office. When a complaint alleges that public figures hid evidence of a crime, anti-corruption laws allow agencies to examine records and question those involved to verify the facts.