Annamalai, BJP Leaders Arrested Before TASMAC Protest

The protest organized by the Tamil Nadu BJP came in the wake of a sweeping investigation by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which exposed what authorities described as an extensive corruption network operating within the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The probe implicated several state officials, liquor distilleries, and bottling companies in an alleged Rs 1,000-crore financial scam. The ED’s investigation revealed serious financial irregularities, with manipulation in tender processes, fraudulent transport contracts, and illicit financial dealings between liquor manufacturers and TASMAC officials. In response to these revelations, the BJP decided to stage a protest, demanding accountability and action against the perpetrators of the alleged corruption. The BJP leaders also criticized the government for its inaction and pushed for swift measures to tackle the corruption within TASMAC, highlighting the party’s commitment to ensuring transparency and justice.

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Police Action to Prevent BJP Protest in Chennai

As BJP workers gathered in various parts of Chennai on Monday morning, the city saw a heavy police deployment, with officers positioned strategically to prevent the protest from taking place. The police intervened early to stop the planned demonstration outside the TASMAC headquarters in Egmore. Authorities intercepted Soundararajan, the former BJP state chief, at her home in Saligramam, where they had cordoned off the area. They also detained other party members who had gathered at Rajarathinam Stadium as they attempted to march toward the TASMAC headquarters. Many viewed the authorities’ heavy-handed approach to controlling the protest as an attempt to suppress political dissent.

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Annamalai’s Arrest and Condemnation of Government’s Response

Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP president, was arrested in the morning while he was on his way to lead the protest. Following his arrest, Annamalai strongly condemned the police action, accusing the ruling government of using undemocratic means to silence opposition voices. He expressed his frustration, questioning the government’s response to a peaceful protest and challenging the authorities’ actions, saying, “Is it because we announced the protest in advance that you acted so cowardly. What will you do if we protest suddenly, without notice His comments reflected a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of dissent and its attempts to stifle democratic expressions.

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ED Investigation Reveals Financial Irregularities in TASMAC

The ED’s investigation, which had begun earlier with a series of raids on March 6, had uncovered crucial evidence of financial wrongdoing within TASMAC. The raids, conducted at multiple locations across Tamil Nadu, resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents and electronic devices. According to a statement from the ED, one of the key findings of the investigation was the manipulation of tendering processes.The authorities allegedly awarded transport contracts worth Rs 100 crore to bidders who did not meet basic eligibility criteria. They granted some of these tenders even though only one applicant was involved, further indicating the lack of transparency and fairness in the process. These revelations pointed to a larger pattern of corruption within TASMAC, with officials reportedly engaging in dishonest practices to secure favorable deals.

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Liquor Manufacturers and TASMAC Officials Involved in Corruption Network

The investigation also uncovered a network of leading liquor manufacturers—SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva Distillery who were allegedly funnelling unaccounted cash through bottling companies such as Devi Bottles and Crystal Bottles. These funds were reportedly used to bribe TASMAC officials in exchange for inflated supply orders. The ED also discovered evidence of bribery related to staff transfers within TASMAC, further exacerbating the scope of the corruption network. Additionally, it was revealed that TASMAC shops routinely overcharged customers by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per bottle, creating an illegal revenue stream for the corporation’s officials and their associates.

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