In what could trigger another flashpoint between the Centre and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has written to the state Director General of Police (DGP), seeking a criminal probe into alleged large-scale corruption and bribery in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department’s recruitment process for 2024-26.
ED Flags Bribery and Manipulation in MAWS Recruitment
In a letter dated October 27, 2025, the ED claimed it uncovered evidence of “corruption and malpractices” in the recruitment of officers and staff under the MAWS Department, alleging that bribes ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 35 lakh were collected per post.
According to the agency, the information surfaced during its investigation into an alleged bank fraud case linked to firms associated with N Ravichandran, brother of state minister and senior DMK leader KN Nehru.
The ED said it found “incriminating digital evidence” including photos, WhatsApp chats, and documents during searches at Chennai, Trichy, and Coimbatore in April 2025, suggesting “massive manipulation” in exam and selection processes.
‘Bribes Collected Through Hawala Networks’
The agency’s letter reportedly includes a 230-page note covering details of around 150 candidates, supported by documents such as “hawala notes, cash records, and result sheet correlations.”
The ED alleged that confidential examination data was accessed by certain officials, politicians, and private intermediaries to alter results in favour of candidates who paid bribes. “Bribes were collected in cash and moved through hawala networks,” the letter states.
It also mentions that Chief Minister M K Stalin had distributed appointment letters to around 2,500 MAWS recruitsat a public event on August 6, 2025, implying that some of those appointments could now come under scrutiny.
State Government Denies Allegations
Sources in the Tamil Nadu government have denied any irregularities in the recruitment process.
Interestingly, the Madras High Court had recently quashed the ED’s Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR)in the related bank fraud case, stating that no public officials were involved and that no crime was established to justify a money-laundering investigation.
The earlier CBI case, registered in 2021, pertained to the alleged diversion of a Rs 30 crore loan from the Indian Overseas Bank for a wind-energy project in Tiruppur. Despite the High Court’s ruling, the ED has maintained that the newly found evidence points to “fresh offences” involving corruption and cheating.
ED Invokes Section 66(2) of PMLA
While clarifying that it is not opening a new money-laundering case yet, the ED invoked Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to share its findings with the state police. The agency requested that an FIR be registered and a copy provided to enable further action under PMLA provisions.
The ED listed key areas for the police to investigate including who accessed confidential exam data, the possible involvement of Anna University officials (which conducted the exams), and how marks were allegedly manipulated.
Is Tamil Nadu ready for the Deluge? Red alert raised as monsoon intensifies
Political Context: DMK Leaders Under Central Scrutiny
The development comes as several DMK leaders face investigations by Central agencies. Among them are:
- K Ponmudy, in a money-laundering probe linked to sand mining;
- V Senthil Balaji, arrested in an alleged transport recruitment scam;
- I Periyasamy, under investigation for disproportionate assets;
- Thangam Thennarasu and Dr Mathiventhan, both raided in connection with alleged property and money-laundering irregularities.
The DMK has dismissed all such cases as “politically motivated”, accusing the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies to target opposition-ruled states.
As the state heads toward assembly elections next year, the ED’s latest move adds another layer of tension to the ongoing political tussle between Chennai and New Delhi.