The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from Chennai conducted searches on Saturday (March 22, 2025) targeting officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Karaikal over alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects. The searches continued until Sunday.

The investigation followed alleged complaints of corruption in PWD projects. Allegations of financial misappropriation in these works had been flagged to the CBI and the Income Tax Department.

On Saturday, Dheenadhayalan, Chief Engineer from Puducherry, on deputation from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), visited Karaikal along with Puducherry Minister P.R.N. Thirumurugan to inspect ongoing projects, including road construction. Later, he rested at a guest house on Beach Road.

The same evening, CBI officers, who had been monitoring the situation, apprehended Dheenadhayalan and several PWD officers, including Chandrasekar, Superintending Engineer (SE); Mahesh, Executive Engineer (EE) of the Building and Road Division; Chidambaranathan, EE of the Public Health Division; Sivabalan, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS); Betharanan, a driver; Seenu, another driver; and Prabakaran, a newly appointed Junior Engineer.

The officials were questioned throughout the night. Simultaneously, CBI teams searched multiple locations including the offices and homes of the PWD officials.