Priyanka Tiwari
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Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai was arrested on Monday morning, just hours before he was set to lead a protest against alleged financial irregularities at TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailer. The Chennai police detained Annamalai near his home in Akkarai before he could leave for the demonstration scheduled outside TASMAC’s headquarters in Egmore.
Multiple BJP Leaders Taken Into Custody
The arrests were not limited to Annamalai. Senior BJP leaders, including former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Mahila Morcha head and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, and BJP MLA Saraswathi, were also detained across Chennai. The mass arrests occurred as BJP workers started gathering for the protest.
TASMAC Scam: Rs 1,000-Crore Corruption Allegations
The protest was intended to expose a Rs 1,000-crore corruption scandal involving TASMAC, which was uncovered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). According to ED reports, the scam includes bribery in liquor supply deals, manipulated tenders, and unaccounted cash transactions between TASMAC officials and major liquor companies.
Heavy Police Deployment to Prevent Demonstration
As BJP supporters began marching from Rajarathinam Stadium toward TASMAC’s office, police forces were deployed in large numbers. Soundararajan’s residence in Saligramam was cordoned off by police to prevent her participation in the protest. Many BJP workers were detained in mass arrests before they could reach the protest site.
Annamalai Slams Government After Arrest
Following his arrest, Annamalai condemned the police action, calling it a "cowardly move" by the ruling party to suppress opposition. “You only did this because we announced the protest in advance,” he said, hinting at future surprise demonstrations.
ED Investigation Exposes Widespread Corruption
The ED’s probe, conducted through multiple raids across Tamil Nadu on March 6, uncovered forged invoices, inflated expenses, and manipulated tenders. Major liquor companies, including SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva Distillery, allegedly funneled bribes through bottling firms like Devi Bottles and Crystal Bottles to secure inflated supply deals.
Additional findings revealed:
- Rs 100 crore worth of transport contracts awarded to unqualified bidders, some with only a single applicant.
- TASMAC shops overcharging customers by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per bottle.
- Bribes in staff transfers within TASMAC.
- Fake invoices and inflated costs used to divert illegal funds.
Political Tensions Escalate in Tamil Nadu
As the ED intensifies its investigation, arrests continue to rise, further straining relations between the BJP and Tamil Nadu’s ruling parties. With allegations of deep-rooted corruption in TASMAC, the controversy is likely to spark further political confrontations in the state.
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