Directorate of Vigilance Deploys Drones in E.V. Velu Sand Mining Probe
Tamil Nadu's anti-corruption agency has initiated an aerial survey utilizing drone technology over a contested irrigation reservoir as part of an ongoing illegal sand extraction investigation involving senior DMK Minister E.V. Velu. The high-profile inquiry underscores intensifying scrutiny on natural resource management and political accountability within the state.
- DVAC personnel deployed advanced aerial drones to map and assess sediment extraction volumes at a disputed irrigation reservoir.
- The investigation directly targets allegations of unauthorized mineral excavation linked to senior cabinet minister E.V. Velu.
- State authorities face mounting political pressure as opposition groups demand transparent inquiries into alleged environmental violations.
CHENNAI — State anti-corruption investigators from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) deployed high-altitude surveillance drones on Tuesday to conduct a comprehensive topographic survey of a vital irrigation tank in Tamil Nadu, central to an illicit sand extraction probe involving senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Public Works Minister E.V. Velu.
This aggressive investigative maneuver stems from mounting formal grievances alleging unauthorized commercial dredging and the systematic depletion of mineral reserves from public water bodies. The deployment of unmanned aerial technology marks a significant escalation in the state's investigative methodology, designed to generate precise digital elevation models and accurate volumetric calculations of the material allegedly plundered from the protected water resource.
According to investigative briefings published by The Hindu, the anti-corruption wing is meticulously cross-referencing on-ground witness testimonies and historical satellite imagery with the newly acquired aerial data to substantiate claims of official malfeasance. While representatives for the ruling administration have consistently dismissed the accusations as politically motivated maneuvers orchestrated by disgruntled opposition factions, legal experts note that physical evidence gathered via technological surveys presents a formidable hurdle for the defense.
