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CBI probe against Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami for graft

The Opposition in the state, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has sought CM Palaniswami's resignation immediately.

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In a major set back to the ruling AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court on Friday ordered a CBI probe into allegations of corruption in the award of road contracts by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. The CM holds the highway portfolio as well.

The court's order is likely to set off a political storm. The Opposition in the state, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has sought CM Palaniswami's resignation immediately.

Justice AD Jagadish Chandira ordered the CBI probe three days after the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) gave a clean chit to the CM. The petition against him was filed by DMK's Rajya Sabha MP RS Bharathi.

Stating that the investigation had not been done in a fair manner, the judge directed the DVAC to hand over all papers and files related to the complaint, filed by the petitioner, to the CBI within a week. The court also directed the CBI joint director to depute an officer in the rank of Superintendent of Police to conduct the preliminary enquiry afresh. The enquiry will include examining the petitioner, officials of the World Bank and other persons connected to the project. The CBI will have to conclude the enquiry within a period of three months.

"If the preliminary enquiry discloses offences of cognisable nature, he shall register a case and proceed in accordance with law," Justice Jagadish Chandira said, noting that the order does not express any opinion in connection with the allegations made by the petitioner.

Bharathi had alleged that the CM had abused his powers in awarding five major road contracts worth Rs 3,120 crore to his close relatives and benamis.

Earlier, DMK's counsel NR Elango argued that the petitioner had lost faith with the DVAC's probe as it had acted in favour of the CM.

DMK president MK Stalin welcomed the judgement and demanded that Palaniswami step down. "It is not fair for a chief minister to continue in office while facing a CBI probe. Edappadi Palaniswami should resign from his post. If he does not resign, the Governor should dismiss him," Stalin told reporters.

PMK, Left parties, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi also sought Palaniswami's resignation.

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