DVAC Probe at Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore Over Alleged Irregularities in Book Procurement

Coimbatore: Officials from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) are conducting an inquiry at Periyar Arivulagam in Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of books, including suspected fake and AI-generated publications.

The officials are reportedly questioning the library authorities about the total number of books procured, the selection and recommendation process, and the officials involved in approving the purchases. Details of the books supplied by Agal Vilakku and Phoenix Publications are also under scrutiny.

Following allegations and protests, around 1,800 books published by the two publishing houses were removed from the library shelves on Saturday.

The inquiry follows complaints filed with the DVAC by School Education Minister A Rajmohan and the DMK over alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for the newly inaugurated library. The complaints have sought an investigation into the suspected misuse of public funds and the procurement of books allegedly containing fabricated information and questionable authorship. The demand for an investigation also extends to book procurement at other government libraries across Tamil Nadu.

The controversy came to light after writer Perumal Murugan raised concerns over the quality, factual accuracy and authenticity of several books found at the library.

The DVAC inquiry is now underway as allegations over the procurement process and the use of public funds come under scrutiny.