Film Producer Akash Baskaran Under ED Scanner in ₹1,000 Crore TASMAC Scam Probe
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Prominent film producer Akash Baskaran, known for his association with big-ticket Tamil films, has come under the spotlight as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensifies its investigation into the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam.
On May 16, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at 10 locations across Chennai, including the residences of TASMAC Managing Director Visakan IAS, SNJ Distilleries, several government contractors, and notably, the home and office of Akash Baskaran, who heads Dawn Pictures.
Film Industry in the Crosshairs
Sources within the ED have confirmed that a significant portion of the illicit funds generated through TASMAC operations may have been diverted into the Tamil film industry. Akash Baskaran, who is reportedly linked to Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party’s first family, is currently producing three major films:
Idli Kadai featuring Dhanush
Paraakshati starring Sivakarthikeyan
Simbu’s 49th film
Investigators believe that these productions may have received funding traced back to laundered proceeds from the TASMAC scam, marking a worrying convergence of political influence, entertainment, and financial irregularities.
Raids Uncover WhatsApp Chats, Real Estate Links
The raids began early Friday at the residence of TASMAC MD Visakan in Manapakkam. During the search, ED officers seized printouts of WhatsApp chats related to liquor procurement, tender disputes, and real estate transactions — key areas now under detailed scrutiny.
ED sources confirmed that they are currently tracing the flow of illicit money, which appears to have been laundered through multiple sectors, including film production, real estate, and infrastructure projects.
Wider Network Under Probe
Apart from Akash Baskaran and TASMAC officials, KS Smart Solutions — a firm that has won major contracts from the Tamil Nadu and Union governments — is also under ED investigation. The company is believed to have received funds tied to the scam, involving multiple government departments such as the Tamil Nadu Police, Aavin, Smart City Projects, and the Directorate of Technical Education.
A number of private individuals linked to the DMK leadership are also being investigated, though their exact roles remain unconfirmed at this stage.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The probe gained momentum after a strongly-worded order by the Madras High Court on April 23, which condemned the Tamil Nadu government’s attempts to obstruct the ED’s investigation. The ED’s case is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and is built on FIRs filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).
These FIRs allege deep-rooted corruption in TASMAC operations — from manipulation of bar tenders and liquor procurement to large-scale mismatches in bottle supply and staff postings — all described by ED officials as a “well-orchestrated scheme to generate black money.”











