3,808 Fake Books Removed from 195 Libraries Across Coimbatore District

Coimbatore: Authorities have identified and removed 3,808 allegedly fake books from 195 full-time libraries across Coimbatore district, amid the ongoing controversy over irregularities in book procurement at the city's Periyar Arivulagam library.

The district-wide inspection was conducted over two days under the leadership of District Library Officer Nandakumar. Officials found that 3,808 books published under the names of Agal Vilakku and Phoenix Publications were fake, and these were removed from the libraries.

The inspection followed allegations of large-scale irregularities in the procurement of books for the newly inaugurated Periyar Arivulagam library. The controversy erupted after noted Tamil writer Perumal Murugan raised concerns over the authenticity, content, authorship and pricing of several books stocked at the library. Questions were subsequently raised over books published by Agal Vilakku and Phoenix Publications.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has also initiated an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in book procurement at Periyar Arivulagam, examining procurement records, accounts and financial transactions.

Meanwhile, the controversy has widened further, with researchers flagging 257 books published by another publisher, Vintage Press Ltd, at Periyar Arivulagam. These books have also come under scrutiny amid questions over their authenticity and procurement. The 257 books are separate from the 3,808 books identified during the district-wide inspection.

The identification of such a large number of questionable books in public libraries has raised serious concerns, particularly as these books had been kept on shelves for readers.

The developments have intensified scrutiny of book procurement practices across Tamil Nadu's public libraries, with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directing the DVAC to register an FIR into the alleged irregularities and seeking accountability from those responsible.

The High Court also observed that stocking bogus books with false content and books by fictitious authors infringes readers' right to receive accurate and quality information.