Sun May 18 20:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A major investigation by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) into a ₹1,000 crore liquor scam at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is sending shockwaves through the ruling DMK party. The ED’s investigation, triggered by numerous FIRs alleging corruption within TASMAC, involves searches, seizures, and the questioning of key individuals. The government’s attempts to block the investigation in court have failed. The Opposition AIADMK is leveraging leaked chat messages allegedly linked to the case. The DMK claims political vendetta, but faces scrutiny due to TASMAC’s long-standing reputation for corruption.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Government Rattled by ED Investigation into Alleged ₹1,000 Crore Liquor Scam**

Chennai – May 19, 2025 – The M.K. Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu is facing intense scrutiny following a major investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an alleged ₹1,000 crore liquor scam at the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The ED’s investigation, based on multiple FIRs dating back to 2017, centers on allegations of corruption within TASMAC, including unaccounted cash, overpricing, bribery, and illicit dealings with distilleries.

The investigation has prompted heightened caution among DMK politicians, with one Minister reportedly avoiding a real estate deal due to fear of ED scrutiny. The government’s attempts to stall the investigation by petitioning the Madras High Court and Supreme Court have been unsuccessful.

Last week, the ED expanded its focus, scrutinizing wealthy individuals suspected of laundering money linked to TASMAC. One individual reportedly fled the country before authorities arrived. TASMAC Managing Director S. Visakan has been questioned for over two days.

Meanwhile, the opposition AIADMK has seized on purported leaked chat messages allegedly linked to Visakan, hinting at the involvement of DMK functionaries and the existence of illegal bars.

Excise and Prohibition Minister S. Muthusamy has accused the ED of acting out of political vendetta, but TASMAC’s history of corruption allegations has put the DMK on the defensive. The Madras High Court, in rejecting government petitions to block the investigation, suggested that the people are the best judges to assess the political motives behind the case.

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