Evidence led to Anbil Mahesh's arrest, not vendetta: Minister Aadhav Arjuna

CHENNAI: Denying any political vendetta behind the arrest of former minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna said on Tuesday that the action was based on evidence.

Addressing media on the sidelines of a two-day leadership training programme for legislators at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, he said that the investigation into Anbil Mahesh was unrelated to political considerations. “There is no political vendetta in the arrest. The people already rejected him in the 2026 Assembly elections. The action has been taken on the basis of evidence.”

Aadhav also accused the previous DMK government of compromising on corruption cases registered against office-holders from the earlier administration.

“We will not touch public money, and we will not spare those who do,” he said, asserting that the government was committed to protecting public funds and pursuing allegations of corruption.

Aadhav said the government was examining alleged irregularities in highway contracts, including tenders worth Rs 2,000 crore for patchwork alone.

“Several tenders were hurriedly issued in the months preceding the 2026 Assembly elections. We are examining the alleged irregularities and will soon release a white paper on the Highways Department,” he said, adding that similar reviews would be undertaken across departments.

He also said that the government would subsequently scrutinise other departments for possible corruption under the previous DMK regime.