Chennai, May 16 (UNI) After unearthing Rs 1,000 crore irregularities during its

earlier searches, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted fresh raids

in 12 locations in Tamil Nadu in connection with the TASMAC-linked money

laundering case.

About 12 locations linked to TASMAC officials and agents were raided under the

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.

TASMAC is a state government body that has monopoly over sale of retail liquor

in the state.

The fresh raids comes in the backdrop of the resignation of former Electricity and

Prohibition and Excise Minister V Senthil Balaji.

The Madras High Court had earlier dismissed as, as illegal and unconstitutional,

the petitions filed by the Tamil Nadu government and TASMAC challenging the

three-day raids conducted at TASMAC headquarters in March this year during

which the ED said it had unearthed irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore.

After the raids which was a follow up to the earlier searches, TASMAC Managing

Director S Visakan was taken to the ED office for questioning.

UNI GV 1835