The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has dropped a bombshell on the Tamil Nadu government by alleging a massive bribery and money laundering racket involving Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru.
In a comprehensive 100-page report sent to the state's top officials, including the DGP and the Chief Secretary, the federal agency claims to have uncovered evidence of bribes totaling ₹365.87 crore, primarily linked to the "sale" of government postings and transfers.
The agency is now pushing for an FIR against the Minister. It has cited evidence gathered from digital devices belonging to his inner circle. Interestingly, the ED did not set out to find this; the discovery happened almost by accident during a search related to a bank fraud case in April 2025. While that original case hit technical hurdles, investigators say the phones of Nehru’s associates, D Ramesh and Kavi Prasad, as well as his brother KN Manivannan, were treasure troves of incriminating data.
According to the report, the "price list" for a favourable posting ranged from ₹7 lakh to ₹1 crore depending on the seniority and location of the role. Investigators analysed over 100 WhatsApp chats and photos that reportedly show bribe confirmations, lists of officers, and copies of transfer orders for about 340 individuals within the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department.
The ED’s findings go beyond just collection; they detail how this money was allegedly cleaned. The report claims that ₹223.65 crore was funneled into real estate and construction businesses, while other portions were used for gold bullion, luxury lifestyle expenses, and "benami" properties. The agency also hinted at a much larger international trail, mentioning discussions about a ₹50 crore hotel, multi-acre land purchases in the United States, and cash transfers to Singapore and the UAE via hawala networks.
This is not the first time the ED has flagged the Minister's department. This latest report is actually the third in a series of "notes" sent to state authorities. Previous communications in late 2025 alleged corruption in the recruitment of 2,500 staff members — where candidates reportedly paid up to ₹35 lakh each — and a staggering ₹1,020 crore bribery scheme involving government contracts and tender rigging.
The ED has warned that the ₹365.87 crore is likely just the tip of the iceberg. They believe similar rackets are operating in other districts and ministries through unidentified intermediaries and have urged the state's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing to launch a full-scale criminal investigation.
Also read: Discontent brewing in Tamil Nadu under DMK: Nitin Nabin
Follow us
