Chennai: DMK leader and former minister E V Velu, who appeared before officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Alandur on Wednesday for questioning in connection with a case involving alleged irregularities worth ₹3.23 crore in the highways department, was questioned for nearly five hours.Velu appeared before the agency after Madras high court stayed the look-out circular (LOC) against him, but directed him to appear for inquiry by July 15. Velu arrived at the DVAC office around 10.45am and was questioned until 3.15pm, regarding the allegations. He was asked more than 100 questions and was asked about tender allotments. Officials also examined documents and recorded his statement in writing and video, as part of the inquiry.Sources said officials questioned Velu on whether the highway contracts had been awarded in accordance with state govt rules and on what basis ₹3.23 crore was released to the contractors before the works had commenced.The DVAC had registered a corruption and criminal conspiracy case against Velu and 10 others, involving alleged irregularities and payments of around ₹3.23 crore for unexecuted road infrastructure works in Karur and other districts in 2022.He was initially summoned to appear before the DVAC on July 3. However, Velu informed the agency that he was in Singapore undergoing medical treatment. Following his absence, the DVAC issued an LOC.Later, talking to reporters, Velu said, “my conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide or fear, and I have committed no offence. The government has deliberately sought to link my name to this case.” He said that he would continue to cooperate fully with the investigation and would appear before the agency again if required.Asked how the police had treated him during the inquiry, Velu said they had behaved professionally and conducted the investigation properly. “I have no grievance against police. They are only carrying out their duties. The police are merely the arrows, the archers are elsewhere.,” he said.
