DVAC investigates alleged book procurement scam in Tamil Nadu libraries
Officials inspected records at Anna Centenary Library and Periyar Arivulagam following allegations of financial irregularities and substandard books.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched an inquiry into suspected irregularities in the procurement of books for government libraries in Tamil Nadu. According to reports by The Hindu and The Times of India, officials inspected records at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, Chennai, and Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore on November 9 and 10, 2026.
The investigation follows allegations made by Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan regarding irregularities during the previous government's tenure. The probe includes claims that books with AI-generated content, factual mistakes, and fictitious authors were purchased at inflated rates. Writer Perumal Murugan also flagged issues concerning the price, quality, and authenticity of content in the Coimbatore library.
DVAC teams, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Kandasamy and Deputy Superintendent of Police Immanuel Dhanasekaran, scrutinised procurement documents, financial transactions, and accounts. In Coimbatore, investigators compared the number of books recorded as purchased against the actual stock available. The agency is also examining the role of publishers, including Akal Vilakku and Phoenix, and possible diversion of public funds.
Minister Rajmohan stated that the government would not allow those responsible to escape accountability and mentioned that 523 suspected fake books were seized at the Connemara Public Library. A formal case will be registered after obtaining approval from the state government. A committee is expected to be formed in December to decide on new book purchases.