Periyar Arivulagam book purchase row: DVAC launches probe in Tamil Nadu libraries

A view of Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore | Photo Credit: M. Periasamy The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched a detailed inquiry into allegations of serious financial irregularities at Anna Centenary Library in Chennai and Periyar Arivulagam library at Coimbatore. DVAC officers perused records in both the libraries on Monday (November 9, 2026) and Tuesday (November 10) after registering the detailed inquiry which followed a statement made by Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan alleging that irregularities took place during the erstwhile DMK regime in the purchase of books for the newly-launched Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore. Amidst allegations that books with AI-generated content and factual mistakes were purchased at inflated rates, DVAC officers made enquiries with the library staff and took copies of certain records in both the libraries for investigation, sources in the investigating agency said.The issue was flagged by noted Tamil writer Perumal Murugan who visited the library in Coimbatore recently and pointed to issues relating to price, quality and authenticity of content in some books. The agency is looking into allegations of names of fictitious authors, fabrication of International Standard Book Number (ISBNs), depiction of factual errors and higher book prices.During the search at Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore on Tuesday, DVAC sleuths scrutinised documents pertaining to book purchase in the administrative section of the library, on the third floor.The DVAC would register a case if prima facie evidence is established in the detailed inquiry. Published - November 10, 2026 06:35 pm IST