"Central agencies have been ’weaponised’ by BJP": Tamil Nadu minister's and son's residences raided by ED

CHENNAI: The ED has raided the residence of a Tamil Nadu minister amid allegations by the ruling DMK that Central agencies like IT and ED have been ’weaponised’ by the BJP to be used against the opposition. The raids are being conducted at the residences and establishments of Rural Development Minister Periyasamy and his son and MLA IP Senthil. The raids began at 7:30 am today at eight places in Chennai and Dindigul. The raids are being done under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as part of an ongoing money laundering probe.

The prosecution alleges that Periyasamy acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He is accused of acquiring assets worth Rs 2.1 crore in the names of himself, his wife and children during his tenure as a minister from 2006 to 2010.

However, it is not clear whether any data were recovered during the raids. It is said that the raids are being conducted to probe illegal financial transactions. However, there has been no confirmation in this regard.