Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday launched search operations at multiple locations in Chennai and Dindigul linked to Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy and his family, ANI reported, quoting officials.

Premises connected to DMK MLA Senthil Kumar are also being covered as part of the action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they added.

The raids are being carried out by the ED’s Chennai unit.

The operation has created tension, especially near the minister's Greenways Road home, where some people initially prevented ED officials from entering the premises.

Security has been tightened in the area, and heavy deployment of police has been reported.

The raids are still in progress, with officers said to be scrutinising property and financial records.

This action is seen as part of a wider pattern of central agency interventions in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier this year, the ED probed alleged irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,000-crore in Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC), and examined the tender processes, inflated charges on liquor bottles, and manipulation of licensing.

Raids were carried out at the residences of senior officials including the TASMAC Managing Director, as well as at several distillery operators' offices.

That case, however, escalated into a major legal dispute. The Supreme Court stayed the probe in May and came down heavily on the ED, warning that the agency was crossing constitutional limits by raiding a state-owned corporation and infringing upon the federal structure. (With inputs from IANS)