Tamil Nadu: India investigates alleged ‘AI scam’ involving public library books
Questions have also been raised about a book found at another public library in Madurai which names renowned economist Jean Drèze as its author.
The book, Democracy and People’s Rights in the Contemporary World, names renowned economist Jean Drèze as its author and was published by Phoenix Publishing House.
Drèze did not respond to BBC Tamil’s request for comment but told The Hindu newspaper earlier this week that he had not written the book, raising concerns that his name may have been used without his permission.
BBC Tamil visited a Chennai address listed by Agal Vilakku and another publisher named in the controversy, Phoenix Publishing House, but found no signs identifying either business.
A woman at the address confirmed that Agal Vilakku operated there. Its proprietor, Mohan, declined to comment, saying the matter was before the courts.
The controversy has prompted writers, academics and publishers to question how the books were selected for public libraries.
More than 160 writers, researchers, artists and publishers have signed a joint statement calling for an independent inquiry, the release of procurement records and an audit of library collections across Tamil Nadu.
They have also called for the recovery of public money if the investigation finds that funds were misused.
The group questioned how the disputed books could have passed through a selection process involving expert committees, price negotiations and several levels of review.
The state government has ordered an internal audit of public library collections.
Rajmohan said 523 books had already been removed from the historic Connemara Public Library in Chennai city after preliminary checks raised concerns about their authenticity and quality.
Disputed books have also been removed from Periyar Arivulagam, while anti-corruption officials examine procurement records and inspect other libraries, he added.
The controversy also sparked a political row in Tamil Nadu. Rajmohan accused the previous DMK government of ordering the disputed books and said the state would seek to recover public money if the investigation found wrongdoing.
The DMK has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and has called for an investigation into the purchases.
Additional reporting by Rachita Prasad
