Chennai’s political landscape heated up dramatically as the Madras High Court ordered the filing of an FIR against prominent DMK leader and Minister KN Nehru in a high-stakes corruption scandal. The directive targets alleged scams in departmental hirings and contracts, spotlighting the Municipal Administration and Water Supply portfolio under Nehru’s watch.
The ED’s detailed exposé, submitted in late 2025, paints a grim picture of institutionalized bribery. Financial discrepancies estimated at ₹630-1,020 crore allegedly stemmed from backdoor appointments where officials reportedly paid hefty sums—up to ₹35 lakh per post—for jobs. Raids yielded a treasure trove of incriminating material: chat logs, digital footprints, and transaction trails directly tying the irregularities to the minister’s inner circle.
Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava’s bench wasted no time in acting on this evidence, instructing the DVAC to launch a criminal investigation without delay. This judicial intervention has ignited fierce backlash from the opposition, with Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad labeling it a ‘damning indictment’ of DMK’s governance.
Prasad called for Nehru’s ouster and handed the probe to the CBI, arguing that only a central agency could deliver unbiased results. ‘This is the tip of the iceberg in DMK’s corruption empire,’ he declared, pressing CM Stalin for swift action ahead of the 2026 polls.
DMK leaders have yet to respond officially, but the silence speaks volumes amid mounting pressure. Legal observers note that while the FIR marks a procedural step, proving culpability will require rigorous evidence in court. For now, the order amplifies long-standing accusations of cronyism and malfeasance, setting the stage for intense electoral battles.
As investigators gear up, Tamil Nadu’s public awaits clarity on whether this will lead to accountability or just another chapter in partisan warfare. The scandal underscores persistent challenges in public administration, demanding reforms to restore trust in governance.