#TASMAC Corruption

[bloggingtamizhan]

ED Raids Rock Tamil Nadu Over Alleged ₹1,000 Crore Liquor Scam Linked to TASMAC

In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on alleged corruption within Tamil Nadu’s state-run liquor distribution system. On Friday morning, the agency carried out fresh search operations across 10 different locations in the state, targeting premises connected to a suspected money laundering racket involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC).

What Is TASMAC?

TASMAC is a government-owned entity that holds exclusive rights over wholesale and retail liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. It operates under the state’s excise department and manages the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages across the region.

Scope of the Raids

The ED’s latest action falls under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These raids mark a continuation of the agency’s earlier operations conducted in March 2025, which had already unearthed several alleged irregularities in TASMAC's functioning.

Key Allegations Uncovered

The probe so far has revealed a staggering ₹1,000 crore worth of unaccounted cash transactions, allegedly routed through various distillery companies tied to TASMAC. According to the ED’s official statement, several incriminating findings emerged from searches conducted at TASMAC offices, employee residences, and distillery units. These include:

Manipulated tender processes favoring select distilleries.

Inflated pricing by TASMAC outlets, with an excess charge of ₹10–₹30 per bottle.

Irregular transfer postings and bar licence tenders allegedly influenced by TASMAC insiders.

Transport tender scams, including a mismatch between KYC documents and demand drafts submitted by applicants.

Single-bid tenders awarded without adequate competition, raising red flags on transparency.

Transport payments exceeding ₹100 crore annually, with questionable award procedures.

What the ED Found

According to the agency, digital and physical evidence points toward systemic corruption involving key TASMAC officials and private liquor manufacturers. One particularly "glaring" issue was the mismatch between the demand drafts and the KYC documents of applicants, suggesting that some successful bidders had not even met the basic application requirements.

The Bigger Picture

This scandal underscores deep-rooted issues in Tamil Nadu’s liquor distribution system. With monopolistic control and large financial transactions, TASMAC has long been under scrutiny. However, the scale of the alleged scam—running into thousands of crores—marks a significant escalation.

What’s Next?

As investigations deepen, more revelations are expected. The ED’s findings could lead to further arrests, departmental suspensions, and potentially, a political storm in Tamil Nadu.

[theclarioncall]

Tamil Nadu Govt Appeals to Supreme Court Over ED Searches at TASMAC Involving Akash Baskaran and Ratish

The Tamil Nadu government has escalated its legal battle to the Supreme Court, contesting the Madras High Court's dismissal of its plea against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) headquarters. This case, linked to an alleged Rs. 1000 crore liquor scam, has drawn attention to key figures such as TASMAC Managing Director S Visakan and film producer Akash Baskaran, alongside allegations involving Ratish, a figure reportedly connected to the scam.

Background of the Alleged Liquor Scam Involving Akash Baskaran

The controversy centers on accusations of a massive liquor scam in Tamil Nadu, with claims that distillery companies siphoned off approximately Rs. 1000 crore in unaccounted cash. This money was allegedly used to secure additional supply orders from TASMAC, a state-run liquor marketing body. Following ED raids in March, allegations emerged that TASMAC officials engaged in corrupt practices, including collecting amounts exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP) at TASMAC shops. The involvement of Akash Baskaran and Ratish has been a focal point, with recent ED searches targeting multiple locations, including Baskaran’s residence.

ED's Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The ED initiated its probe based on 41 FIRs filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which highlighted corruption within TASMAC. On April 23, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed pleas from the Tamil Nadu government and TASMAC challenging the ED’s searches. The court rejected claims by TASMAC that its employees faced harassment during the raids, stating that detaining employees during searches is standard procedure to prevent evidence tampering. The court further dismissed allegations of fundamental rights violations as an afterthought.

While the case was before the High Court, Tamil Nadu and TASMAC sought to transfer their plea against the ED searches to the Supreme Court, but this request was not entertained. Recently, the ED conducted additional searches across Tamil Nadu, including at the residences of TASMAC MD S Visakan and Akash Baskaran. Reports indicate that Visakan was questioned for nearly 10 hours, with Ratish also reportedly linked to the ongoing investigation.

Arguments Before the Madras High Court

TASMAC argued that the ED’s searches constituted a “roving and fishing inquiry” lacking substantive evidence. They contended that prosecution cannot proceed on mere assumptions of a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). TASMAC further alleged that the ED withheld its “reasons to believe” for the searches and suggested the raids were politically motivated to tarnish reputations ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections. They also argued that the ED lacked original jurisdiction to investigate unless a scheduled offence under the PMLA was established.

In response, the ED justified its actions, citing multiple FIRs filed by the state police that implicated TASMAC officials in bribery, price inflation, and manipulation of employee postings. The agency maintained that suspicion alone justifies searches and that courts cannot interfere with the agency’s choice of search locations at this stage. The involvement of Akash Baskaran and Ratish in these allegations has intensified scrutiny on the case.

[newslime]

Film Producer Akash Baskaran Under ED Scanner in ₹1,000 Crore TASMAC Scam Probe

Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Prominent film producer Akash Baskaran, known for his association with big-ticket Tamil films, has come under the spotlight as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensifies its investigation into the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam.

On May 16, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at 10 locations across Chennai, including the residences of TASMAC Managing Director Visakan IAS, SNJ Distilleries, several government contractors, and notably, the home and office of Akash Baskaran, who heads Dawn Pictures.

Film Industry in the Crosshairs

Sources within the ED have confirmed that a significant portion of the illicit funds generated through TASMAC operations may have been diverted into the Tamil film industry. Akash Baskaran, who is reportedly linked to Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party’s first family, is currently producing three major films:

Idli Kadai featuring Dhanush

Paraakshati starring Sivakarthikeyan

Simbu’s 49th film

Investigators believe that these productions may have received funding traced back to laundered proceeds from the TASMAC scam, marking a worrying convergence of political influence, entertainment, and financial irregularities.

Raids Uncover WhatsApp Chats, Real Estate Links

The raids began early Friday at the residence of TASMAC MD Visakan in Manapakkam. During the search, ED officers seized printouts of WhatsApp chats related to liquor procurement, tender disputes, and real estate transactions — key areas now under detailed scrutiny.

ED sources confirmed that they are currently tracing the flow of illicit money, which appears to have been laundered through multiple sectors, including film production, real estate, and infrastructure projects.

Wider Network Under Probe

Apart from Akash Baskaran and TASMAC officials, KS Smart Solutions — a firm that has won major contracts from the Tamil Nadu and Union governments — is also under ED investigation. The company is believed to have received funds tied to the scam, involving multiple government departments such as the Tamil Nadu Police, Aavin, Smart City Projects, and the Directorate of Technical Education.

A number of private individuals linked to the DMK leadership are also being investigated, though their exact roles remain unconfirmed at this stage.

Legal and Political Ramifications

The probe gained momentum after a strongly-worded order by the Madras High Court on April 23, which condemned the Tamil Nadu government’s attempts to obstruct the ED’s investigation. The ED’s case is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and is built on FIRs filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

These FIRs allege deep-rooted corruption in TASMAC operations — from manipulation of bar tenders and liquor procurement to large-scale mismatches in bottle supply and staff postings — all described by ED officials as a “well-orchestrated scheme to generate black money.”

[thamilan24x7]

ED Raids Film Producer Akash Baskaran’s Residence and TASMAC Offices in ₹1000 Crore Scam Probe

In a dramatic turn of events this morning, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a massive operation in Chennai, targeting prominent personalities and offices linked to a ₹1000 crore scam under investigation by the Madras High Court.

Among those at the center of the probe is acclaimed film producer Akash Baskaran, the man behind Dawn Pictures. Known for producing box office hits starring top Tamil cinema icons like Dhanush, Siva Karthikeyan, and Simbu, Baskaran's residence and office were searched by ED officials as part of the high-profile investigation.

Simultaneously, the ED, with support from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), conducted coordinated raids across multiple TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) offices and the homes of several government officials reportedly linked to the scam.

According to sources, the action stems from allegations filed in the Madras High Court concerning irregularities and possible money laundering in connection with state-run liquor operations—an amount allegedly ballooning to over ₹1000 crore.

While official statements are awaited, the raids have sent shockwaves through both the film and political circles of Tamil Nadu, raising serious concerns about corruption and the murky nexus between politics, business, and the entertainment industry.

Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation unfolds.

[odnewsin]

PIL filed in Madras HC for CBI inquiry into TASMAC scam

Chennai:  A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Madras High Court seeking the transfer of over 40 FIRs related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan…

[newsliveindia]

 Breaking News: Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai Arrested Before Protest Against TASMAC Scam! 

Chennai police detained Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai just hours before he was set to lead a massive protest against the Rs 1,000-crore TASMAC corruption scandal. Several senior BJP leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Srinivasan, were also arrested as authorities blocked the demonstration.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered massive financial fraud in TASMAC, including bribery in liquor supply, fake invoices, and illegal fund transfers. With increasing political tensions, this scandal could reshape Tamil Nadu’s political landscape!

 Read More:https://suspensecrime.com/chennai-police-arrest-tamil-nadu-bjp-president-k-annamalai-before-protest-against-tasmac-corruption

[wwn24]

TN Budget 2025: DMK Govt must resign, AIADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami alleges ₹40,000 crore TASMAC scam

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLAs walked out of the State assembly on Friday during the budget presentation over the alleged Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) scam.After the walkout, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami addressed the media, alleging that a corruption of over ₹40,000 crores is possible in TASMAC. He claimed that the government…

[balkikhalnews]

Tamil Minister On Liquor Corruption Claims

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Excise Minister V Senthil Balaji on Friday afternoon strongly denied the Enforcement Directorate’s claims of “irregularities” in tender processes, and a possible fraud of Rs 1,000 crore, within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation or TASMAC, the state-run liquor sales agency. Mr Balaji told said the report by the ED – which opposition leaders claim is used by the centre…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] New Delhi- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered “multiple irregularities” in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC), alleging manipulation in tender processes and unaccounted cash transactions exceeding ₹1,000 crore. In a statement on Thursday, the federal agency revealed that evidence of these corrupt practices emerged after raids conducted on March 6 at TASMAC offices, distilleries, and associates linked to Tamil Nadu’s Prohibition and Excise Department Minister, Senthil Balaji. The ED highlighted several anomalies, including manipulation of transport and bar license tenders, direct communication between distilleries and top TASMAC officials to secure favorable indent orders, and cash kickbacks to inflate supply quotas. Distilleries like SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva Distillery were named in the probe, alongside bottling companies allegedly involved in fabricating bogus expenses to siphon off funds. The agency further alleged that distilleries systematically inflated costs and fabricated purchases through bottle-making companies, generating unaccounted cash flows used as kickbacks. Transport tenders were reportedly awarded despite single-applicant bids, with payments exceeding ₹100 crore annually to transporters. The post ₹1,000 Crore Liquor Scam: ED Exposes Massive TASMAC Irregularities in Tamil Nadu appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] New Delhi- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered “multiple irregularities” in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC), alleging manipulation in tender processes and unaccounted cash transactions exceeding ₹1,000 crore. In a statement on Thursday, the federal agency revealed that evidence of these corrupt practices emerged after raids conducted on March 6 at TASMAC offices, distilleries, and associates linked to Tamil Nadu’s Prohibition and Excise Department Minister, Senthil Balaji. The ED highlighted several anomalies, including manipulation of transport and bar license tenders, direct communication between distilleries and top TASMAC officials to secure favorable indent orders, and cash kickbacks to inflate supply quotas. Distilleries like SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva Distillery were named in the probe, alongside bottling companies allegedly involved in fabricating bogus expenses to siphon off funds. The agency further alleged that distilleries systematically inflated costs and fabricated purchases through bottle-making companies, generating unaccounted cash flows used as kickbacks. Transport tenders were reportedly awarded despite single-applicant bids, with payments exceeding ₹100 crore annually to transporters. The post ₹1,000 Crore Liquor Scam: ED Exposes Massive TASMAC Irregularities in Tamil Nadu appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[anbumiththiran]

கொத்தடிமை மற்றும் மதுக் கொள்கையை முன்னெடுக்கும் திராவிட மாடல்!

Alcohol Prohibition in India இன்றும் தமிழ்நாட்டு மக்கள் பலரும் குறிப்பாக பெண்களின் வாக்குகளைச் சொத்தாகக் கொண்ட திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழகம் சமீபத்திய நாட்களில் கொண்டு வரும் சட்டங்கள் எல்லாமே மக்களைப் பாதிக்கக்கூடியவையாக உள்ளன. உதாரணமாக, 8 மணி நேரம் வேலை செய்வதில் இருந்து 12 மணி நேரம் வேலை செய்ய வைக்க அனுமதிக்கும் சட்டத் தீர்மானம் மற்றும் திருமண நிகழ்வுகள் போன்ற குடும்ப நிகழ்வுகளில் கூட மது…

[mediagraph]

EPS meets TN Governor, seeks action on corruption charges against DMK government

A 10-member AIADMK delegation led by Palaniswami submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan against the DMK government over the recent hooch tragedy. 

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday led a massive procession towards Raj Bhavan raising slogans against the ruling DMK government for its failure to protect the people from illicit liquor and other law and order issues in the state.

The rally culminated at the Raj Bhavan and a 10-member AIADMK delegation led by Palaniswami submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan against the DMK government over the recent hooch tragedy.

Talking to reporters after meeting the governor at the Raj Bhavan, Palaniswami gave a detailed account of the recent law and order issues, including the hooch tragedy where 23 people were killed in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts. He also referred to the death of two more persons in Thanjavur after consuming TASMAC liquor and demanded that the postmortem on their bodies should be performed in the JIPMER hospital to bring out the truth.

When a scribe pointed out that he had almost repeated the allegations already made by BJP state president K Annamalai, the AIADMK leader said, "You (media) should see against whom the charges are levelled. He came across these issues through print and media and sought action against them." Palaniswami said.

Traffic came to a standstill in Guindy, Saidapet, Little Mount and a few other places in the city due to the procession. Hundreds of AIADMK workers parked their vehicles on the roadsides, causing heavier traffic disruptions.

Office-goers, workers and the public were affected and were stranded on the road for more than three hours. Asked about this, Palaniswami said, "We have already informed the police and adhered to the guidelines issued by the police. It is the responsibility of the police to regulate the crowd."

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday informed party district secretaries about his plans to intensify party activities, beginning with taking out a procession to Raj Bhavan to file a memorandum against the DMK.

[neerthirai24]

Tasmac Job Corruption - Tasmac Association accuses ADMK ex minister Thangamani & Natham Viswanathan

Tasmac Job Corruption – Tasmac Association accuses ADMK ex minister Thangamani & Natham Viswanathan

Tasmac Job Corruption – Tasmac Association accuses ADMK ex minister Thangamani & Natham Viswanathan Neerthirai

[jagadeeshkrishnan]

Jagadeesh Krishnan psychologist and International Author

Is it true that Kalaignar Karunanidhi is anti-Tamil in his actions?

The question is true, Karunanithi is Anti-Tamil politician.

In my point of view Former president of Singapore Lee Kuan yew did good things and support Tamil more than Karunanithi.

I also claim Mr. Lee Kuan yew as a greater leader than Karunanithi.

The reason because, Mr. Lee made the Tamil language as one of the official language in Singapore. But, Karunanithi only did a Politics on Tamil Language.

Mr. Lee made Singapore the least corrupt Country. But Karunanithi made our Tamil Nadu a highly corrupted state in India.

During Eelam war, Mr. Lee kuan supported and sided with Tamil Eelam and told that only a separate could deliver Tamils from the hold of Sinhalese hegemony. He openly condemned Mahinda Rajapaksa and stated that Tamils were the original citizens of Sri Lanka. He also justified the armed struggle of the LTTE on the ground that it was against the majority Singhalese’s attempt to wipe out the Tamils.

Did Karunanithi at least Condemn Rajapaksa who was the master player of Tamil genocide in Eelam? My point is that Why he did not even utter a single word from his mouth against Rajapaksa.

But, Power Hungry karunanithi played dirty politics during the final stage of Eelam war. No one forget that.

Also, Don't forget that during his reign, our native land of Tamil Nadu, Katchatheevu was annexed to Srilanka.

Recently, Last month, Over 2,000 Tamil Nadu fishermen were chased away by Srilankan navy personnel for allegedly fishing near Katchatheevu, also they have brutually attacked our TN fishermen. These incidents which have affected the fishermen’s livelihood.

In my point of view, He developed his family more than the Tamil Nadu. Also, Many People continuously Claiming that Tamil Nadu is the well developed state when compared to other Indian States like bihar, Uttarkhand…. Moreover, I suggest them to better compare Tamil Nadu with Kenya, Bolivia, Zimbabwe.. then only Tamil Nadu stand more higher when compared to these poor countries. Why don't you people would not compare Tamil Nadu with developed country like South Korea. Is it sin to compare with developed country?

Indeed, Tamil Nadu stand higher now because of Kamaraj perhaps not because of Karunanithi. Kamaraj laid the strong foundation for Tamil Nadu in the past. For example, in recent survey, Tamil Nadu topped 2nd place in Governance according to Public affair index 2018. Just think that the state without proper government overtake the other state, Also without held of Local body elections, Tamil Nadu topped 2nd place. This credit goes to Kamaraj.

Don't forget that it was Periyar who fought for equality and succeeded in getting reservation for backward class people. But during Karunanithi reign, Caste tensions are high and boiling over Tamil Nadu because of his caste politics.

Don't forget that it was Aringar Anna who legalized Self respect marriages for the first time in the country. It was Anna who renamed Madras state as a Tamil Nadu. It was Anna who instrumental in organizing the world tamil Conference. Also, it was Annadurai's government which introduced Two language formula Tamil and English.

So each and every credits goes to King Maker Kamaraj, Thanthai Periyar and Aringar Anna. Even Bharatha Ratna award has given to most popular leader Dr. M.G.R. But, it is not been possible to give highest civilian award Bharatha Ratna award to the most corrupted leader and 5 time CM of Tamil Nadu Karunanithi.

Finally, Karunanithi made Tamil Nadu state addicted to Alochol by opening Tasmac at everywhere,then introduced cash for votes, and made Tamil Nadu state as the most corrupted state.

By

K. Jagadeesh

[odnewsin]

Vijay takes on DMK over TASMAC scandal, urges government action

Chennai: TVK president and Tamil superstar, Vijay, has once again taken on the ruling DMK, and this time over alleged corruption in Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). In a strongly worded statement, Vijay accused the DMK of orchestrating large-scale financial fraud and urged authorities to take stringent action against those responsible. Referring to recent searches by the…

[newsliveindia]

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai Arrested Ahead of Protest Against TASMAC Corruption

Chennai police arrested Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai on Monday morning, just hours before he was set to lead a protest against alleged Rs 1,000-crore corruption in TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailer. Annamalai was detained near his residence in Akkarai before he could head to the demonstration at TASMAC’s headquarters in Egmore.

Multiple BJP Leaders Detained in Chennai

The crackdown extended beyond Annamalai, with several senior BJP leaders taken into custody. Former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJP Mahila Morcha President and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, and BJP MLA Saraswathi were among those detained. The arrests took place as BJP workers started assembling for the protest.

TASMAC Scam: ED Uncovers Rs 1,000-Crore Corruption

The protest aimed to expose a massive Rs 1,000-crore scam linked to TASMAC, as revealed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The investigation uncovered bribery in liquor supply deals, manipulated tenders, and unaccounted cash transactions between TASMAC officials and major liquor manufacturers.

Heavy Police Deployment Blocks BJP Protest

As BJP supporters marched from Rajarathinam Stadium toward TASMAC’s office, Chennai police imposed heavy security measures. Authorities even surrounded Soundararajan’s residence in Saligramam to prevent her participation. Many BJP workers were detained before reaching the protest site.

Annamalai Slams DMK Government After Arrest

Following his arrest, Annamalai accused the ruling DMK government of suppressing dissent. He called the police action a “cowardly move” to silence opposition voices. “You did this only because we announced the protest in advance,” he said, warning of future surprise demonstrations.

ED Investigation Exposes Massive TASMAC Corruption

The ED’s recent raids across Tamil Nadu on March 6 unearthed shocking corruption within TASMAC, including: ✅ Fake invoices and inflated expenses used to siphon illegal funds. ✅ Rs 100 crore worth of transport contracts awarded to ineligible bidders, some with no competition. ✅ TASMAC liquor shops overcharging customers by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per bottle. ✅ Bribes influencing staff transfers within TASMAC.

Political Tensions Rise as TASMAC Scandal Deepens

With the ED intensifying its investigation, arrests are mounting, fueling political friction between the BJP and Tamil Nadu’s ruling parties. As allegations of large-scale corruption in TASMAC continue to surface, the controversy is expected to escalate, leading to further political showdowns in the state.