The record
Written from the 6 reports below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption has registered a corruption case against former DMK Minister and sitting MLA V. Senthilbalaji, former Tasmac Managing Director S. Visakan, and five others over alleged irregularities in Tamil Nadu's liquor retail system between 2021 and 2025.
- The allegations include manipulation of bar and transport tenders, 284 closed bars operating without renewal causing a revenue loss of over ₹32.81 crore in three districts, overcharging at Tasmac shops above the maximum retail price, and kickbacks paid through inflated invoices by distillery and bottle supply firms.
- The DVAC conducted simultaneous searches at 41 locations across the State, including Senthilbalaji's ancestral home in Karur and two liquor manufacturing units in Pudukottai district.
- The case matters because it targets a former minister and senior officials at the heart of the State's liquor administration, with a revenue mismatch between rising retail sales and falling bar sales prompting the probe.
What to watch next
- Whether the DVAC questions or arrests Senthilbalaji or other accused after the searches
- Political fallout for the DMK, including any statements from Senthilbalaji or the party
- Whether the investigation expands given the alleged links to a prior Enforcement Directorate case against Tasmac officials
What changed6
Every report on this story, newest first. Times are when each outlet published.
The Hindu — Tamil Nadu[1]
Supreme Court agrees to July 31 hearing in Senthilbalaji's appeal against denial of pre-arrest bailThe Hindu — Tamil Nadu[2]
Madras High Court denies anticipatory bail to DMK MLA SenthilbalajiThe Hindu BusinessLine[3]
TASMAC liquor scam: DVAC probe sparks retail sales privatisation buzz in Tamil NaduThe Hindu BusinessLine[4]
TASMAC scam case: Madras High Court refuses anticipatory bail to Senthil BalajiHindustan Times[5]
HC refuses anticipatory bail to ex-Tamil Nadu minister Balaji in corruption case
Coverage3
6 reports
English national6
All filed from India
Named India · AIADMK · Amit Anand Tiwari · Bhaskar · Coimbatore · Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption · Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam · Edappadi K Palaniswami · Enforcement Directorate · Erode · Karur · Karur gang · K. Kapil Sibal
- The Hindu — Tamil NaduSupreme Court agrees to July 31 hearing in Senthilbalaji's appeal against denial of pre-arrest bail[1]English national· neutral
- The Hindu — Tamil NaduMadras High Court denies anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthilbalaji[2]English national· neutral
- The Hindu BusinessLineTASMAC liquor scam: DVAC probe sparks retail sales privatisation buzz in Tamil Nadu[3]English national· neutral
- The Hindu BusinessLineTASMAC scam case: Madras High Court refuses anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji[4]English national· neutral
- Hindustan TimesHC refuses anticipatory bail to ex-Tamil Nadu minister Balaji in corruption case[5]English national· neutral
- The Hindu — Tamil NaduDVAC books former DMK Minister Senthilbalaji; conducts searches at 41 locations across T.N.[6]English national· neutral
The 6 reports are listed beside the record.
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