Tamil Nadu’s liquor business is at the center of a massive corruption scandal—the TASMAC Scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has exposed irregularities worth ₹1,000 crore, alleging that politicians, bureaucrats, and distillery owners manipulated tenders, inflated costs, and engaged in large-scale money laundering. The issue has led to political turmoil, with BJP and DMK clashing over the scam.
What Is The TASMAC Scam?
TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited) is the government body responsible for liquor distribution in Tamil Nadu. The ED’s investigation has revealed:
- Tender Manipulation: Fake transport and bar licenses were issued without proper documentation.
- Bribery: Liquor manufacturers allegedly paid bribes to TASMAC officials for inflated supply orders.
- Money Laundering: Illegally obtained funds were converted into cash and reintroduced into the financial system.
- Fake Purchase Records: Distilleries like SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva Distillery created fraudulent invoices and diverted money.
Political Fallout and Arrests
The scam has intensified political tensions. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan was detained for protesting against the scandal, while BJP’s K Annamalai compared the scam to the Delhi liquor scam, calling it even bigger. He directly accused DMK leader Senthil Balaji of being the mastermind behind the entire operation.
What Happens Next?
With the Supreme Court questioning the ethical standing of the accused ministers and ED tightening its probe, the TASMAC scam is expected to have far-reaching consequences in Tamil Nadu politics. Will this investigation bring justice, or will it be buried under political influence?
