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The deal involves Padmadevi Sugars Limited, whose directors are accused of defrauding Indian Overseas Bank of around Rs 120 crore
After the death of Jayalalithaa, Sasikala was regarded as a significant figure in the AIADMK party. (PTI/File)
VK Sasikala, a close aide of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, is embroiled in a new controversy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged in an FIR that she purchased a sugar mill in Kanchipuram by paying Rs 450 crore in cash during the 2016 demonetisation, when the country was facing a severe cash shortage.
The purchase in question involves Padmadevi Sugars Limited, whose directors are accused of defrauding the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) of approximately Rs 120 crore.
The CBI’s Banking, Securities, and Fraud Branch in Bengaluru is handling the investigation. Following the registration of the FIR in July, CBI teams conducted raids in Chennai, Trichy, and Tenkasi in August.
CBI FIR Cites 2020 Order
The FIR also references a 2020 order from the Income Tax Department, which noted the recovery of several crucial documents during a raid on Sasikala’s properties and those of her associates under the Benami Act in November 2017.
These documents indicated that during the demonetisation period in 2016, Rs 450 crore in cash was used to purchase a mill from the Patel Group.
After the death of Jayalalithaa, Sasikala was regarded as a significant figure in the AIADMK party. However, her political influence waned following her imprisonment on corruption charges. This new revelation could potentially add to her existing troubles.
Deal Under CBI Lens
The directors of Padmadevi Sugars Limited face accusations of defrauding the bank, with the CBI investigating the deal in this context. The agency plans to take further action based on the documents and testimonies uncovered during the investigation.
This case has emerged amidst ongoing speculation in political circles about Sasikala’s potential return to Tamil Nadu politics.
Tamil Nadu, India, India
September 06, 2025, 13:18 IST
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