CHENNAI: The directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) launched a detailed enquiry (DE) into alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for government libraries in Tamil Nadu and inspected records at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, and Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore.DVAC officials said that, following a detailed inquiry, they would fix responsibility on the officials involved in the scam. A formal case would be registered after obtaining approval from the state government.The investigation followed a complaint from school education minister A Rajmohan, who accused the previous DMK govt of large-scale financial irregularities in purchasing books for the newly inaugurated Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore.The minister alleged that thousands of substandard books containing AI-generated content, fabricated author names and factual errors were purchased at inflated prices.A DVAC team led by deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Kandasamy inspected procurement documents relating to book purchases at the Anna Centenary Library during the previous government’s tenure.Officials scrutinised records and took documents for further examination. In Coimbatore, DVAC personnel examined financial transactions, accounts and procurement records at Periyar Arivulagam.The controversy surfaced after writer Perumal Murugan, who served on the book selection committee, questioned the quality and authenticity of books purchased for the Coimbatore library.He pointed out factual errors in books dealing with classical Tamil literature and questioned the credentials of their authors and publishers.He alleged that nearly 1,800 books published by Agal Vilakku Pathippagam were stocked at the library, with some priced at more than Rs 1,400 for 300-page volumes.He also questioned the authenticity of the International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) printed in the books.According to the procurement records cited in the allegations, a government order issued on November 5, 2025, constituted a committee to recommend books for libraries, including Periyar Arivulagam.A committee comprising 112 members subsequently recommended titles, and a final selection was made at a meeting held at the Anna Centenary Library on January 9, 2026.A purchase order was issued on February 2, 2026, for 60,266 books.The DVAC investigation will examine the procurement process, pricing, payments, publishers and possible diversion of public funds. Officials were also expected to establish the role of those involved in the alleged irregularities.
