The Vellore Principal Sessions Court has ordered police to arrest senior DMK leader and Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan on September 15. This step comes in connection with a long-standing case involving alleged disproportionate assets.
Durai Murugan, a key leader in the DMK and part of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s cabinet, has faced accusations dating back to the late 1990s. He previously held the Public Works Department portfolio during the DMK government led by M. Karunanidhi from 1996 to 2001. During that time, authorities alleged he had accumulated assets worth much more than his income should have allowed.
The case was taken up by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which filed charges during the AIADMK regime against Durai Murugan, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, brother, and others. They were accused of amassing illicit wealth worth Rs 3.92 crore.
In 2007, after investigation and questioning, the trial court acquitted Durai Murugan and his family members. However, in 2013, during another AIADMK government, the DVAC challenged that decision by filing a revision petition with the Madras High Court. The court then set aside the acquittal, reinstated the charges, and directed a special court in Vellore to finish the trial within six months.
The case was transferred to a special court in Chennai, where proceedings are ongoing. The court had earlier ordered Durai Murugan and his wife to appear in person. While his wife showed up and even requested to recall her arrest warrant, Durai Murugan did not. As he missed his appearance, the court has now re-issued the arrest warrant.
Police have been instructed to execute the warrant if Durai Murugan does not appear by September 15. If he fails to surrender, he could be arrested, marking a major development in this ongoing case that has cast a shadow over his political career for years.
Stay tuned for updates on this high-profile case involving allegations of corruption against a senior DMK leader.
