The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting a series of raids at the residences of Santiago Martin, widely known as Chennai’s “Lottery King,” his son-in-law Adhav Arjun, and several associates. The raids are underway at approximately 20 locations, including Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana in Punjab, and Kolkata in West Bengal.
Rs 5 Crore Cash Recovered, Key Documents Seized
So far, ED officials have seized ₹5 crore in cash and a cache of important documents. These findings are expected to bolster the ongoing investigation into Martin’s alleged financial irregularities.
Madras High Court Clears Path for ED Investigation
The ED raids follow a recent clearance from the Madras High Court, allowing the agency to proceed with its investigation. The court’s approval came after Tamil Nadu Police decided to close an FIR against Martin and others, reigniting the probe into his alleged fraudulent activities.
Lottery King’s Connections and Past Controversies
Martin, who manages government lottery operations in several states from Coimbatore, has been under scrutiny for years. Last year, the ED seized assets worth ₹457 crore from Martin in a case involving an alleged loss of ₹900 crore to the Sikkim government through fraudulent lottery sales in Kerala.
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Additionally, Martin has faced controversy for purchasing electoral bonds worth ₹1,368 crore. In an earlier ED action, 61 flats, 82 plots, and six other properties valued at ₹119.6 crore were seized in Coimbatore.
Son-in-Law’s Role and High-Profile Operations
Adhav Arjun, Martin’s son-in-law and the President of the Indian Basketball Federation, is also under investigation. Martin’s vast operations, including the corporate headquarters of the Martin Group of Companies and the Martin Homeopathy Medical College and Hospital, are located near his residence in Coimbatore’s Vellakinar area.
Lottery Business Across States
Martin is renown for his extensive lottery business, which is particularly popular in Kerala and several other states. The ongoing ED raids signal intensified scrutiny of the financial dealings of Martin and his associates, with significant implications for the lottery industry and political funding networks.
