The gutkha scam was first exposed by The Hindu in 2017.

The case pertains to a secret report of the Income Tax Department sent to the then
Chief Secretary P. S. Rama Mohana Rao and Director-General of Police Ashok Kumar.
The report contained details of alleged payoffs to the tune of ?39.91 crore made by
a gutkha manufacturer to a minister, two top police officers, and other officials
to allow the sale of banned tobacco products in Chennai.

The Hindu report triggered instant protests from Opposition parties that boycotted
the Assembly demanding a probe by the CBI into the gutkha scam.

Even as T K Rajendran, 1984-batch IPS, Officer was alleged to have received bribes,
the State went ahead giving him a two year extension and made him the DGP/Head of
the Police Force.

While the State Government remained silent on the issue, a trade union leader in
Madurai moved the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court challenging the
appointment of T K Rajendran as DGP and CBI probe into the scam.

State Chief Secretary files an affidavit that there was no such report from the
Income Tax department on gutkha Scam. The Hindu publishes a report giving details
of when the report was submitted and to whom.

Court orders appointment of a Vigilance Commissioner and directs the Directorate of

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to probe into the missing files.

DVAC registers case against some middle level officials, sends questionnaire to
former Chief Secretary and others.

Former Chief Secretary P S Rama Mohana Rao in an exclusive interview to The Hindu
confirms having received the report from Income Tax Department and claimed to have
sent it to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa who wanted to take action.

The Income Tax Department in a surprise raid seize the secret report from Veda
Nilayam, the residence of Jayalalithaa.

DMK MLA J Anbazhagan moves the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe, Income Tax
Department in an affidavit suggests a probe by CBI since some central government
employees involved.

Madras High Court orders CBI probe into Gutkha scam.