DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister Yves Velu on Wednesday appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Chennai in connection with alleged irregularities in road projects during the previous DMK regime.
People familiar with the matter said the interrogation lasted several hours.
Velu said he appeared before the agency in compliance with the directions of the Madras High Court and extended full cooperation to the investigation.
“I arrived at the (DVAC) campus today around 10.45 am and the interrogation started at 11 am. They asked me a lot of questions. On my part, on the basis of full cooperation, I gave them honest answers,” he told reporters.
Alleging that his responses were based only on “truth” without any “fabrication”, the DMK whip in the Tamil Nadu Assembly said: “I have extended my full cooperation to them, in compliance with the court order.”
The Tiruvannamalai MLA said he would appear before the agency again if summoned.
“Since the case is currently being heard in court, I cannot say anything more detailed (to the media). The case is scheduled to be heard on July 28. I look forward to justice being served on that day,” he said.
Filo had traveled to Singapore for medical treatment in June. At a public meeting in Karur on July 10, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay sarcastically noted that Velu had gone to Singapore to avoid a DVAC investigation on the pretext of seeking treatment.
Reacting to Vijay’s statements, Velu said that he never evaded investigation and that running away or hiding was not in the nature of anyone who was groomed by former DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi or DMK chief MK Stalin.
On June 25, DVAC conducted simultaneous searches at premises linked to Velu, who served as Highways Minister during the previous DMK government, and at residences and offices of other officials associated with him.
The agency registered a case against Velu and other officials of the highways department based on a complaint filed in 2022 by Arappor Iyakkam founder Jayaram Venkatesan, alleging irregularities in road projects.
