KKSSR Ramachandran, one of DMK’s senior ministers, is the Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management in Chief Minister MUK Stalin’s government. He served as the Minister for the Welfare of Backward Persons during the period 2006-2011.
Case against KKSSR Ramachandran
In 2011, the Anti-Corruption Department of Virudhunagar district filed a case against Chatur Ramachandran and his wife Adilakshmi for adding assets of Rs 44.59 lakh in excess of income during the AIADMK regime. The case had been going on for 10 years in the court at Srivilliputhur.
Released by the court
Minister Chatur Ramachandran filed a petition in the Srivilliputhur court to acquit himself from the asset hoarding case. The court heard the petition and ordered the release of the minister and others from the asset hoarding case last year, saying there was insufficient evidence. Anti-corruption department did not appeal to the High Court against this.
Review by Justice Anand Venkatesh
However, Justice Anand Venkatesh took up the asset accumulation case against Chatur Ramachandran himself. The ministers had already taken up the Ponmudi, Thangam Southern government asset hoarding cases and the Housing Board case against I. Periyasamy for review. DMK was shocked by this.
Minister’s Argument
However, Minister Ramachandran’s side said, “The anti-bribery department did not take into account the explanation given regarding the assets. Chatur Ramachandran’s medical expenses were borne by his sambandhi and paid the bill. The government has returned the amount. But the anti-bribery department did not take that amount into account,” various arguments were made.
Cancellation of order issued
While the final arguments in the case were concluded in June, the judgment in the case was adjourned for an unspecified date. The case was listed for judgment today. Justice Anand Venkatesh, who read out the verdict this morning, quashed the order passed by the Srivilliputhur court freeing Minister Chatur Ramachandran from the asset hoarding case.
The judge ordered to investigate again
Further, Justice Anand Venkatesh ordered the Srivilliputhur court to re-investigate the case and ordered Minister Ramachandran to appear before the inquiry court on September 9. It is expected that the Minister may appeal against this in the Supreme Court.
