Lokpal dismisses corruption complaints against TMC MP Arup Chakraborty, DMK’s Kalanidhi Veeraswamy
The Lokpal has dismissed corruption complaints against Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Arup Chakraborty and DMK MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy in separate cases, saying the allegations against both lawmakers were not substantiated and were “devoid of merit”.
Chakraborty, a Bankura MP who had recently announced a rebellion against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, described the allegations against him as “vexatious and baseless”. Veeraswamy, who represents Chennai North, said the Lokpal order “speaks for itself” and declined to comment further, noting that a related matter is pending before the Madras High Court.
In Chakraborty’s case, the Lokpal had ordered a CBI preliminary inquiry in November last year into six allegations, including claims that he used his brother, Ashis Chakraborty, as a conduit for illegal activities and proceeds. The complaint also alleged the unlawful transfer of a government fishery project and illegal earnings of Rs 50 lakh a month since 2016 from Tarapur Jhil in his constituency.
The CBI inquiry examined more than 45 documents and recorded statements from six witnesses. In its August 28 report, the inquiry officer concluded that all six allegations remained unsubstantiated.
The Lokpal, in its September 10 order, agreed with the findings and also noted that the alleged activities took place when Chakraborty was an MLA rather than an MP, putting the matter outside the Lokpal’s jurisdiction under Section 14 of the Lokpal Act. A six-member bench headed by Lokpal Chairperson Justice A M Khanwilkar consequently disposed of the complaint.
In Veeraswamy’s case, the complaint alleged fraud, intimidation and abuse of influence, including claims that he pressured the complainant into accepting Rs 38 lakh for a Rs 1.70-crore investment in a Chennai shopping mall.
The CBI inquiry, ordered in November 2025, examined nine witnesses and 32 documents. Its August 19 report found no material establishing the MP’s involvement. The Lokpal accepted the inquiry officer’s conclusion and closed the complaint.
with inputs from PTI
