Excise Minister S Muthusamy Condemns ED Action, Promises Legal Support for State Officials
Chennai, May 17 – Tamil Nadu's Excise Minister S Muthusamy on Saturday launched a strong attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing it of harassing state government officials under the guise of investigating a purported ₹1,000 crore scam in TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailer. He alleged that the central agency’s actions violated Supreme Court guidelines and were driven by political motives.In a statement, Muthusamy, who also oversees the Housing and Prohibition portfolios, said that recent ED searches at the TASMAC headquarters and residences of senior officials, including Managing Director S Visakan, were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the DMK-led state government.
"ED Acting on AIADMK-Era Cases"
The minister pointed out that the ED’s probe was based on cases originally filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption during the previous AIADMK regime. He argued that the agency was now trying to link these cases to the present DMK administration without any concrete evidence.“No proof of irregularities was found during any of the searches, including the one conducted at the TASMAC headquarters in March and at multiple locations on May 16,” Muthusamy said. “Yet, the ED issued a press note alleging a ₹1,000 crore scam based purely on imagination.”
"Harassment and Coercion of Officials"
The minister further alleged that the ED had subjected officials to undue pressure and mental distress. “The agency is continuously causing agony to our officials. This is a clear case of harassment,” he claimed, without detailing specific incidents.State Government Vows Legal Action
Terming the ED’s actions as a "political vendetta", Muthusamy asserted that the Tamil Nadu government would take all necessary legal steps to protect its officers.“I strongly condemn this vendetta-driven action of the Enforcement Directorate, which has violated Supreme Court-mandated procedures. The Tamil Nadu government will always stand firmly with its officials,” he stated.
The controversy has intensified political tensions between the DMK-led state government and central enforcement agencies, with accusations of misuse of investigative powers for political ends.
