The Periyar Arivulagam library controversy in Coimbatore has escalated after the DMK approached the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities and misappropriation of public funds in the purchase of books for the newly inaugurated facility.
In his complaint, DMK legal wing joint secretary I Paranthaman alleged that the library’s collection included fake or AI-generated titles. He cited an interview by writer Perumal Murugan, which brought the issue into public focus, and questioned how the books were selected, purchased and delivered.
One of the claims highlighted in the complaint concerns 162 books listed under the name of a single author, Monica Ravi. Paranthaman said the books appeared to have been published within a period of six months. He also questioned whether authors listed as Trisha Vijay, Sangeetha Vijay and Thamarai Panneer actually existed.
The complaint has also raised questions about the administrative process behind the procurement. Paranthaman said it remained unclear which officials issued the purchase orders and when the books were bought and delivered. He added that members of the book recommendation committee were unaware of how the titles had entered the library.
The allegations have triggered a political exchange over responsibility for the collection. DMK leader of the opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin told reporters that the party was ready to face an investigation and expressed confidence that no such irregularity had taken place under the DMK government. Paranthaman criticised the TVK government for allowing its information technology wing to circulate what he described as fabricated documents instead of issuing an official statement on the matter.
He also challenged Rajmohan to produce a copy of any complaint if his department had approached the DVAC. The DMK representative further criticised Rajmohan over the use of unparliamentary language in the presence of women officials. These claims and counterclaims have added a political dimension to what began as a question over the authenticity and procurement of books in a public library.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also questioned the TVK government’s failure to verify the books before the library’s inauguration. He said the exchange of accusations between the DMK and TVK was confusing the public.
The DVAC complaint now places the focus on the documentary trail behind the purchases, including purchase orders, delivery records, author details and the role of the recommendation committee. The source report did not provide details of any formal DVAC response or indicate whether an investigation had been registered.
