Chennai: DMK on Saturday moved the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking a probe into alleged large-scale irregularities and misappropriation of public funds in the purchase of books for Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore.In his complaint, DMK legal wing joint secretary I Paranthaman said the issue came to light following writer Perumal Murugan’s interview, which flagged fake and AI-generated books in the newly inaugurated library. He pointed out that 162 books were listed under the name of a single author, Monica Ravi, and that they were published within just six months.Leader of the opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin told reporters that the party was ready to face the probe and was confident that no such irregularity had taken place under DMK govt.Earlier in the day, Paranthaman said that several questions, including which officials issued the purchase orders and when the books were bought and delivered, remained unanswered. He also questioned whether authors named Trisha Vijay, Sangeetha Vijay and Thamarai Panneer actually existed.He said it was “shameful politics” that TVK govt was allowing its IT wing to circulate fabricated documents to build a false narrative against DMK instead of issuing an official statement. He also criticised Rajmohan for using unparliamentary language in the presence of women officials and challenged him to produce a copy of the complaint if his department had approached DVAC.Paranthaman said members of the book recommendation committee were unaware of how such books entered the library. He suspected the involvement of Vijay fans and questioned why DMK would buy books carrying names such as “Trisha Vijay”.Expressing shock over the alleged scam, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned TVK govt’s failure to verify the books before the library’s inauguration. He said DMK and TVK were trading accusations, thereby confusing the public.
