CHENNAI: Sleuths from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Thursday launched searches at more than 20 premises across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Tiruchy, linked to former DMK minister KN Nehru.

The searches come days after the Madras High Court cleared the decks for the anti-corruption agency to investigate an alleged Rs 634 crore cash-for-jobs scam linked to the former minister.

The court's order paved the way for the DVAC to proceed with its investigation into allegations of irregularities in recruitment to government posts. The case centres on allegations that money was collected from candidates in return for jobs during the previous DMK government's tenure in municipal administration and water supply department which was headed by Nehru as minister.

The searches across multiple locations are part of the agency's investigation into the alleged scam. Officials are expected to examine documents and other materials that could help establish the alleged financial transactions and identify those involved.

Further details about the searches, including the specific premises covered and the materials seized, were not immediately available.