CHENNAI: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) reopened its investigation into a Rs 27.9 crore bribery case against former Housing minister Vaithilingam, who served during the AIADMK regime. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) ordered a fresh probe into allegations that he received the amount as a bribe from a private construction company.According to officials, the bribery case was registered on February 24, 2024, during the DMK government’s tenure following a complaint alleging that Vaithilingam accepted Rs 27.9 crore from a private construction firm in return for official favours. The case was subsequently taken up for investigation by the DVAC.Vaithilingam resigned from his MLA post in January and later left the AIADMK to join the DMK. During a recent court hearing on the bribery complaint, it was informed that the case against him was closed in February.The disclosure led to criticism from various quarters, with questions being raised over whether the closure of the case was linked to Vaithilingam’s decision to leave the AIADMK and join the DMK. The criticism prompted renewed public attention to the matter.Following these developments, ACB director Arun ordered a reinvestigation into the allegations. The DVAC has reopened the case and will conduct a fresh inquiry into the bribery complaint and the circumstances surrounding the earlier closure of the investigation.The investigation is in progress, and no further details have been officially disclosed.
