ED Raids Film Producer Akash Baskaran’s Residence in ₹1,000 Crore TASMAC Scam Probe; Fresh Links to Film Industry Emerge

 Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday intensified its probe into the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam, conducting raids at 10 key locations across Chennai, including the residence of renowned film producer Akash Baskaran, Managing Director of Dawn Pictures.

ED Raids Film Producer Akash Baskaran’s Residence in ₹1,000 Crore TASMAC Scam Probe; Fresh Links to Film Industry Emerge

Akash Baskaran, known for producing blockbuster films with stars like Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, and Simbu, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the ongoing investigation. According to ED sources, illicit funds siphoned off from TASMAC operations were allegedly funneled into the Tamil film industry, including projects backed by Baskaran.

Akash Baskaran Under Scanner for Alleged Money Laundering Through Film Projects

Akash, seen as having close ties to the DMK’s influential circles, is currently producing three big-budget films—including Idli Kadai (Dhanush), Paraakshati (Sivakarthikeyan), and Simbu’s 49th film. ED officials suspect that portions of the unaccounted cash generated through TASMAC scams have been diverted into these film ventures, raising concerns about large-scale money laundering through the entertainment sector.

Sources revealed that the raids at Akash Baskaran’s residence in Teynampet uncovered crucial documents and digital evidence, which are now being analysed to trace the suspected financial irregularities.

ED Recovers WhatsApp Chats, Follows Money Trail to Film Industry

The ED also conducted searches at the residence of TASMAC Managing Director Visakan IAS, where investigators seized printouts of sensitive WhatsApp conversations, including discussions on liquor procurement, tenders, real estate transactions, and alleged links to film financing.

ED officials believe that the money trail from TASMAC operations extends beyond government circles and into private companies and the Tamil film ecosystem, with Akash Baskaran's projects now a key focus area.

Broader Crackdown on TASMAC Scam and Associated Entities

The crackdown, which followed a Madras High Court order on April 23 sharply criticising the Tamil Nadu government for attempting to obstruct ED's investigation, also targeted:

• SNJ Distilleries

• KS Smart Solutions (linked to multiple high-value state and central projects)

• Residences of government contractors and individuals allegedly close to DMK's first family

The ED’s investigation, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is based on several FIRs filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which exposed corruption in liquor procurement, tender manipulations, transportation irregularities, and staff transfers.

Key Focus Areas of the ED Investigation:

• Alleged diversion of TASMAC-generated black money into the Tamil film industry

• Financing of high-profile movies by Akash Baskaran using illicit funds

• Money laundering networks involving real estate and government contractors

• Identification of political connections and patronage behind the scam

The ED is expected to expand its investigation into film production finances and unearth deeper links between TASMAC’s alleged scam proceeds and high-profile film projects.