DMK seeks DVAC probe into assets of Deputy CM

DMK’s organising secretary R S Bharathi who moved the plea submitted, “Panneerselvam, by abusing his power, has amassed wealth and invested the same in companies and properties either in his name or in the name of his benamis. He has for this purpose also made false declarations before the Income Tax authorities and before the Election officials.” “He has thus rendered himself liable under the Income Tax Act, Representation of People Act, Indian Penal Code, Prohibition of Benami Transactions Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act,” Bharathi added.

Alleging that till date the DVAC has not acted upon his complaint, made on March 10 seeking probe into the assets amassed by Panneerselvam in his name and in the name of his benamis and family members, the petitioner said, “The High Court has already made it clear that when a complaint is lodged against a public servant, the DVAC has to enquire into the complaint directly and no prior sanction or remarks need to be obtained by the vigilance department.”

Bharathi also referred to the declaration made by Panneerselvam before the election commission in 2014-15 that he had an income of Rs 5.80 lakh, while during the same period he had bought a car worth Rs 17.85 lakh.