Tamil Nadu: Minister K Ponmudy Returns Home After Questioning By ED, Asked To Appear Again This Evening

Higher Education minister and senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader K Ponmudy returned home early this morning (18 July) around 3.30 AM after questioning at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Chennai.

He was taken for questioning by the ED last night after raids at premises belonging to him and his son P Gowthamasigamani in Chennai and Villupuram.

It was reported that the ED had seized Rs 70 lakh in Indian currency and Rs 10 lakh worth foreign currency duing the raids.

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said that questioning of a 72-year old at midnight is a human rights violation. He also said that the ED's action is a fallout of Ponmudy speaking out against Governor RN Ravi.

Ponmudy has been asked to appear again before the agency at 4PM today (18 July).

While the ED has not stated a reason for the raids, Ponmudy is known to be facing allegations of land-grab and misuing his power to grant permits for quarrying of red sand.