DVAC seizes 170 documents in cash-for-jobs searches linked to K N Nehru

DVAC searched 25 locations linked to K N Nehru in an alleged cash-for-jobs case. The seizures deepen scrutiny of municipal recruitments as the DMK prepares a legal challenge.Chennai,Oct 29, 2026 23:24 ISTThe Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) seized 170 allegedly incriminating documents and 13 electronic devices during searches at 25 locations linked to former minister and DMK leader K N Nehru and others on Thursday, news agency Press Trust of India reported. The searches were conducted in connection with an alleged multi-crore cash-for-jobs recruitment scam.The DVAC has registered a case against Nehru, a former municipal administration and water supply minister, and seven others based on a complaint forwarded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency has alleged large-scale corruption and malpractice in the recruitment of 2,538 candidates to various branches of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department during 2024-25.According to a DVAC release cited by PTI, bribes were allegedly collected from ineligible candidates in return for appointments to posts such as assistant engineer, junior engineer, sanitary inspector and draughtsman. The money was subsequently routed through hawala channels, the agency alleged.The searches were conducted at locations in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Namakkal and Tirunelveli. The DVAC also searched the residence of former DMK MLA Ramalingam and six premises linked to him as part of the operation. Speaking to reporters in Tiruchirappalli, Nehru confirmed the searches and said officials had seized two laptops and some documents from his premises. He maintained that the officials did not question him extensively.“They didn't ask me anything. They came and searched every place. They checked the entire premises. They wrote down what items were taken,” Nehru said, according to PTI. Nehru expressed confidence in the legal process and said the DMK would fight the case in court. He compared it with land-grabbing cases filed during the AIADMK regime.The searches followed the registration of the case after the Madras High Court lifted a stay on the investigation. The action was based on material provided by the ED, which had flagged the alleged irregularities in late 2025. Nehru said a review petition filed by the DMK had been dismissed by the High Court and that an appeal was pending before the Supreme Court.Minister R Nirmal Kumar alleged that candidates were charged between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh each. Addressing reporters in Chennai, he also claimed that the recruitment process was deliberately conducted through Anna University instead of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.DMK president M K Stalin criticised the searches, describing them as “Vettri Vendetta Politics” by the TVK government. He alleged that the action was intended to divert attention from law-and-order issues ahead of the Trichy East Assembly by-election, PTI reported.The DVAC investigation centres on allegations that bribes were taken for appointments to 2,538 posts in the municipal administration and water supply department, with searches conducted at 25 locations and documents and electronic devices seized. Nehru has denied wrongdoing and said the DMK will challenge the case in court.- Ends