Vijay And DMK Face Questions Over Fake Authors And AI Generated Books In Library Controversy

A major controversy has erupted over book purchases at the Periyar Arivulagam Library in Tamil Nadu. Allegations of fake publishers, AI generated books and fictitious author names have triggered a political storm. Among the names attracting attention is Trisha Vijay, who has reportedly been credited as the author of a book on Tamil language history.

The controversy came to light after noted Tamil writer Perumal Murugan raised questions about the books purchased for the library. Murugan, who was part of the library's book selection committee, alleged in an article published on the Chindhai website that a large number of books had been purchased from a publisher called Agal Vilakku Pathippagam. His enquiries reportedly raised doubts about the publisher's authenticity and the credibility of several listed authors.

According to Murugan, some books appeared to contain AI generated content and carried names of authors whose identities were questionable. Names such as Trisha Vijay, Vijaya Balu, Jyothi Saravanan and Manisha Dinesh reportedly appeared on the books. He also questioned the pricing, alleging that books normally costing Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 were purchased for amounts ranging between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,500.

The controversy has now turned into a political confrontation between Chief Minister Vijay's TVK government and the DMK. Vijay accused the previous DMK government of irregularities, claiming that more than 60,000 books were purchased during its tenure and that his government had not bought any books for the library. The DMK rejected the allegations and questioned the publication dates on the books. An investigation has been ordered, and the actual extent of the alleged irregularities is yet to be established.

- Veda