DVAC searches premises linked to DMK’s Tiruvannamalai MP C.N. Annadurai - The HinduUpdated - September 25, 2026 11:27 pm IST - TIRUVANNAMALAIDVAC sleuths conduct searches on premises linked to incumbent DMK MP for Tiruvannamalai Lok Sabha constituency, C.N. Annadurai, at Vengaikaal village near the Office of Collectorate in Tiruvannamalai town on Friday | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementOfficers from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Friday (September 25, 2026) conducted searches at various premises linked to Tiruvannamalai MP C.N. Annadurai (DMK) at Vengaikaal village near the Office of the Collectorate in Tiruvannamalai.DVAC sources said the searches began at around 7.30 a.m. at the residence of Mr. Annadurai. Teams from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DVAC) Arul, conducted the searches. A two-time MP from the constituency, Mr. Annadurai was present when the searches were conducted at his house.It is learnt searches were also conducted at APU Constructions, linked to the MP, which handled more than 50 road works and other contracts of the Highways Department.The searches came in the wake of complaints filed by Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, with the DVAC at its headquarters in Chennai on August 13. It has been alleged that large-scale sand from the dry lake bed at Malappambadi village near Tiruvannamalai town was illegally mined, reportedly based on the directions of former PWD and Highways Minister E.V. Velu, for a DMK public meeting last year.It was alleged in the complaint that a large quantity of sand was mined to reportedly level an open land, which covers 124.56 acres, to organise the conference by the DMK. The conference was attended by then Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin and his son and former Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. The sand theft reportedly led to a loss to the tune of ₹8 crore to State exchequer, the complainant claimed.In June this year, the DVAC had conducted searches at educational institutions linked to Mr. Velu in Kilnachipattu village near Tiruvannamalai town on the Vellore-Thoothukudi High Road. In March 2023, similar searches were conducted at several premises linked to Mr. Velu in Tiruvannamalai by the Income Tax Department.After the completion of the searches around 2.30 p.m, Mr. Annadurai told reporters in Tiruvannamalai that he had answered DVAC’s questions related to illegal sand mining from the dry lake near Tiruvannamalai town for DMK’s Youth Wing Conference that was held in December 2025. “It was a false case that related to the conference. Nevertheless, myself and staff of the private construction firm fully cooperated with DVAC officials, who also took some files after the searches,” he claimed.He termed the searches as an attempt to prevent DMK functionaries and cadres to focus on the bypoll in Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies.EndsPublished - September 25, 2026 02:24 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }