DMK files plaint against health minister C Vijayabhaskar

Chennai: The DMK on Monday lodged a complaint with the State Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) seeking registering a criminal case against health minister C Vijayabhaskar and investigate him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The complaint from DMK organising secretary R S Bharati followed media reports that leaked a portion of a report from the Income Tax department sent to the TN government and the Election Commission relating to alleged bribery during the 2017 RK Nagar by-election. It was alleged that the minister's father Chinnathambi had given a statement to the I-T sleuths admitting to his role in collecting bribes for procuring jobs and getting transfers and postings. Chinnathambi, however, came out with a stout denial.

"It has been further reported to you that Mr. Chinnathambi in his sworn statement admitted that cash of Rs 12,96,000 — was the money received from various persons to get a job for each of them. This clearly attracts the provisions of Section 7 and 13(1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988", said Bharathi's complaint sent to the DVAC.

He has also accused the DVAC of failing to register an FIR in the case despite the I-T department furnishing a confession statement on receipt of bribe and also a list containing details of the bribe activities. Even in the earlier complaints of corruption against the Chief Minister and Deputy CM, the DVAC had been dragging its feet under the guise of making preliminary enquiry, said Bharathi's petition to the DVAC.    

"I am also bringing it to your notice that this is the third complaint by the opposition party against the chief minister, deputy chief minister and the health minister. Unfortunately, it has become the practice of DVAC, not registering the FIR even though enough materials are being given to you," said Bharathi's complaint.

In the relentless attack on the AIADMK Government alleging corruption in multiple ways, the opposition DMK has particularly targeted minister Vijayabaskar following the I-T raid on his premises and alleged seizure of huge amount of money and incriminating documents. DMK president M K Stalin has sought "immediate resignation" of Vijayabaskar and said Governor Banwarilal Purohit should intervene and sack the minister if he does not quit by himself and if the CM does not recommend his exit from the cabinet.