Political Leaders Demand Probe Into Fake Books at Coimbatore Library

Political leaders in Tamil Nadu are demanding an immediate investigation after writer Perumal Murugan exposed alleged irregularities in book procurement for the newly opened Periyar Arivulagam public library in Coimbatore.

Reactions and Demands

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan stated that fabricated books could cause lasting damage to the Tamil language and urged the State government to pull the fake books from all libraries, dump them on the streets, and burn them, while sealing the responsible publishing houses. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president M.H. Jawahirullah revealed that 1,800 books from an unfamiliar publisher named Akalvilakku Publications were placed on the fourth floor. He noted that the books were allegedly produced using artificial intelligence without proper technical expertise, featured fake or pseudonym names, listed online-untraceable ISBNs, and had unreliable addresses. He called for an independent committee to examine all procured books, publishers, authors, ISBNs, and pricing details. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B. Manickam Tagore alleged widespread corruption in the DMK government and demanded a government investigation and an audit of all books kept in the library. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss pointed out that a 300-page book titled Naladiyar: Vazhvin Vazhikatti was bought for ₹1,445 while other publishers sell the Naladiyar for ₹350, adding that School Education Minister Rajmohan had seconded these allegations. Dr. Ramadoss urged the government to order an inquiry by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption. We The Leaders movement founder K. Annamalai and AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran also called for a thorough investigation into the procurement process, recommendation lists, and library audits across the State.

Context

Public libraries serve as crucial educational hubs for students from economically weaker backgrounds who rely on them to prepare for competitive examinations. Allegations of financial irregularities and fake content in such institutions directly threaten the integrity of public educational resources.