Anti-corruption agencies of Tamil Nadu and the Centre were in conflict in Dindigul as state vigilance officials apprehended an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer. The officer, Ankit Tiwari, who was assigned to the ED’s Madurai office, was accused of amassing crores of rupees and distributing it among other officials in Madurai and Chennai. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) of Tamil Nadu stated that further raids may be conducted, including at the Chennai ED office. This arrest occurred while the ED was investigating DMK leaders and Chief Minister MK Stalin’s accusations that the Centre was misusing central agencies for political gain.

According to the DVAC’s statement, a disproportionate wealth case was filed against a doctor named Suresh Babu in Dindigul in 2018. However, the inquiry against him was closed. Recently, Babu received a call from an ED official who threatened to reopen the case. Allegedly, the officer demanded a bribe of ₹3 crore to prevent the reopening, but the deal was finalized at ₹51 lakh. Ankit Tiwari was arrested for collecting ₹20 lakh from Babu by employing similar tactics. Subsequently, Tiwari was produced in court and remanded. The situation continues to develop as the DVAC explores the possibility of conducting raids in other locations.

This arrest highlights the ongoing tension between the ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu and the BJP-led Centre. Chief Minister MK Stalin, along with other DMK leaders, has accused the central agencies of being misused by the Centre for political purposes. The arrest of an ED officer, who was allegedly involved in corruption and bribery, adds to the existing friction between the state and central governments.

The use of central agencies to target political opponents has been a longstanding concern in India’s political landscape. Such actions often lead to allegations of misuse of power and the undermining of democracy. These incidents further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding the independence and accountability of investigative agencies in the country.

As the investigation unfolds, the outcome of the case will be crucial in determining the credibility and effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. It will also serve as a significant development in the larger political landscape, influencing the dynamics between the DMK and the Centre.