DVAC Files Case Against Durai Murugan in ₹1,427 Crore Tamil Nadu Sand Mining Scam

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against senior DMK leader Durai Murugan amid allegations of significant irregularities in river sand mining operations in Tamil Nadu. Authorities claim these irregularities led to a financial loss exceeding ₹1,427 crore to the state government.

Officials confirmed on Friday that the case was filed following complaints from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Chennai and the anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam, led by convener Jayaram Venkatesan. The investigation has since broadened, targeting multiple individuals and entities involved in the purported scheme.

Durai Murugan is named alongside retired Engineers-in-Chief A Muthaiya and Ramamoorthi, fourteen current public servants from the Water Resources Department (WRD), and ten private individuals and companies. The complaint details extensive corruption and unauthorized activities related to river sand mining across 28 quarries in Tamil Nadu between 2021 and 2024.

According to DVAC officials, contracts for sand mining were granted through limited tenders rather than open competitive bidding, raising concerns about transparency. The mining operations reportedly exceeded the approved limits outlined in official mining plans. Additionally, fabricated vouchers were allegedly used to transport sand illegally, masquerading as legitimate permits.

Initial investigations focusing on just four of the 28 quarries uncovered a revenue loss of over ₹1,427 crore, highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud. This figure underscores the substantial impact on the state’s financial health due to these unauthorized transactions.

In a coordinated enforcement effort, vigilance officers conducted searches at 34 different locations across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. These raids took place in multiple districts, including Chennai, Pudukkottai, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Vellore, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Coimbatore, Salem, and Namakkal. During these operations, authorities seized 825 documents believed to be incriminating, along with 11 electronic devices and three keys to bank lockers, which may hold further evidence.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as more information comes to light. The case has drawn public attention due to the involvement of high-profile individuals and the significant amount of public funds potentially lost through these alleged malpractices.

River sand mining plays a crucial role in construction and infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu, a state with rapid urban growth and industrial activity. However, the sector has frequently been scrutinized for corruption and environmental concerns. This case adds to a series of probes into mining irregularities across India, reflecting wider challenges related to resource management and governance.

As the investigation progresses, authorities will likely examine the mechanisms that allowed such large-scale irregularities to occur and consider measures to prevent future exploitation of natural resources. The outcome of this case could have implications for policy reforms in mining regulations and enforcement practices in Tamil Nadu and beyond.