Chennai, July 21, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out search operations at two locations in Chennai as part of an ongoing investigation, continuing its recent crackdown in Tamil Nadu through a series of money laundering probes involving government officials, businessmen and political figures.
The searches were conducted at the residence of a retired Deputy Commissioner of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Teynampet and at the house of a businessman in Padmanabha Colony at Kaladipet near Thiruvottiyur.
ED officials, accompanied by personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), entered both premises simultaneously and conducted detailed searches. The occupants of both houses were present during the operation as officials examined documents, records and other materials available on the premises.
The central agency, however, remained tight-lipped about the nature of the investigation. It did not disclose the circumstances under which the searches were conducted or whether the action was linked to an ongoing money-laundering probe.
Officials also declined to confirm if any incriminating documents, electronic devices, financial records or cash were recovered during the searches.
The operation continued for several hours, with further details expected only after the search proceedings were completed.
The latest action comes amid intensified enforcement activity by the ED across Tamil Nadu in recent months. The agency has conducted multiple searches in connection with alleged financial irregularities, illegal sand mining, lottery-related transactions, cyber fraud, real estate deals and cases involving public servants accused of amassing assets through corrupt practices.
Earlier this month, the ED carried out searches at several locations linked to a former senior government official in connection with a money laundering investigation.
In recent months, it has also raided premises associated with businessmen, contractors and individuals suspected of laundering proceeds of crime generated through various offences investigated by agencies including the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Tamil Nadu Police.
The ED derives its powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and typically initiates investigations based on predicate offences registered by other law enforcement agencies.
With Tuesday’s searches, the agency has once again turned its focus to Chennai, though officials have so far remained silent on the exact scope of the investigation. More information is expected once the searches conclude and the agency issues an official statement.(Agency)
FOLLOW NOW
