Former Union Minister A Raja, the sitting MP from Nilgiris, is accused of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure in office, while Ma Subramanian and his wife Kanchana are accused in a land grab case involving alleged forgery and misuse of official powers.
Published Jun 17, 2025 | 4:57 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 17, 2025 | 4:57 PM
DMK MP A Raja and Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian
Synopsis: A special court in Chennai has ordered DMK leaders A Raja and Health Minister Ma Subramanian to appear on 23 and 24 July respectively for the framing of charges in separate corruption cases. Raja is accused by the CBI of amassing assets worth ₹5.53 crore – allegedly 579 percent above his known income – while Subramanian and his wife face forgery and land grab allegations linked to his tenure as mayor.
A special court for Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies in Chennai has directed two high-profile members of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu to appear before it on 23 and 24 July respectively for the framing of charges in two separate corruption cases.
Former Union Minister A Raja, the sitting MP from Nilgiris, is accused by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure in office, while Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian and his wife Kanchana are accused in a land grab case involving alleged forgery and misuse of official powers.
The case against A Raja was registered by the CBI in 2015, with the agency alleging that Raja amassed assets worth ₹5.53 crore during his tenure in public office – an amount reportedly 579 percent above his known sources of income.
In addition to Raja, the charge sheet names his relative Paramesh Kumar, his friend Krishnamurthy, and four others, including two private companies – Coimbatore-based Shelters Promoters India Pvt Ltd and Mangal Tech Park Pvt Ltd – as well as individuals N Ramesh and Vijay Sadarangani.
The case was subsequently transferred from the CBI court to the special court at the Chennai District Collectorate complex, which is designated to handle cases involving Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies.
During the proceedings, Raja submitted a petition in 2024 requesting access to his income tax return documents relevant to the case.
The CBI opposed this request, stating that the documents were already in his possession and could be produced during the trial if required.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Special Judge N Venkata Varadhan dismissed the petition and directed that charges be formally framed on 23 July.
All accused, including Raja, have been ordered to appear in person for the hearing.
In a separate matter, the same court has scheduled 24 July for framing charges against Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian and his wife Kanchana.
The case, based on a complaint filed by a resident of Saidapet named Parthiban, accuses Subramanian of transferring a piece of land in Kotturpuram Labour Colony – originally allotted by the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO) to one SK Kannan – into his wife’s name using forged documents during his tenure as Mayor of Chennai.
Based on the complaint, the CBCID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department) registered a case under charges related to forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, with a charge sheet being filed in 2019.
Subramanian subsequently approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the FIR.
The High Court dismissed his plea, allowing the prosecution to continue. He and his wife later challenged this dismissal in the Supreme Court, where the matter remains pending.
During the latest hearing, counsel for Subramanian informed the special court about the pending appeal and requested a deferral in the framing of charges.
However, Justice N Venkata Varadhan declined to grant an adjournment and instructed that any interim order from the Supreme Court must be submitted by the next hearing.
Failing this, the court will proceed to frame charges against Subramanian and Kanchana on 24 July.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
