In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu’s political corridors, the Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR against Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister KN Nehru over serious allegations of corruption. The order, passed by a bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, comes in response to compelling evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The case revolves around massive irregularities in appointments and tender processes within the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. The ED’s complaint, filed with Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police in October 2025, accuses the department of financial misconduct amounting to between ₹630 crore and ₹1,020 crore. Specifically, it claims that bribes ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹35 lakh were collected for each of 2,538 appointments.
Digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, screenshots, transfer orders, and financial records seized during raids on premises linked to individuals close to the minister, formed the backbone of the ED’s submission. The High Court, after meticulous review, found sufficient grounds to mandate the FIR, escalating the matter into a full-fledged criminal probe.
Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad hailed the verdict as a ‘severe blow’ to the ruling DMK government. Speaking on Sunday, he demanded Minister Nehru’s immediate dismissal from the cabinet and a CBI investigation to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry. ‘Corruption has become systemic under DMK rule,’ Prasad asserted, urging Chief Minister MK Stalin to act decisively.
As the 2026 Assembly elections loom on the horizon, this scandal threatens to become a flashpoint in the brewing rivalry between the BJP and the incumbent DMK. While the DMK has maintained silence so far, legal experts caution that an FIR does not imply guilt. However, the political ramifications are undeniable, with opposition parties gearing up to capitalize on the controversy.
The DVAC now faces the task of initiating formal proceedings, which could uncover deeper layers of graft in one of Tamil Nadu’s key administrative departments. Stakeholders across the spectrum are watching closely as this case unfolds, potentially reshaping the state’s political landscape.