Questions have additionally been raised a couple of e book discovered at one other public library in Madurai which names famend economist Jean Drèze as its writer.
The e book, Democracy and Folks’s Rights within the Up to date World, names famend economist Jean Drèze as its writer and was revealed by Phoenix Publishing Home.
Drèze didn’t reply to BBC Tamil’s request for remark however informed The Hindu newspaper earlier this week that he had not written the e book, elevating issues that his title could have been used with out his permission.
BBC Tamil visited a Chennai handle listed by Agal Vilakku and one other writer named within the controversy, Phoenix Publishing Home, however discovered no indicators figuring out both enterprise.
A girl on the handle confirmed that Agal Vilakku operated there. Its proprietor, Mohan, declined to remark, saying the matter was earlier than the courts.
The controversy has prompted writers, lecturers and publishers to query how the books had been chosen for public libraries.
Greater than 160 writers, researchers, artists and publishers have signed a joint assertion calling for an unbiased inquiry, the discharge of procurement data and an audit of library collections throughout Tamil Nadu.
They’ve additionally referred to as for the restoration of public cash if the investigation finds that funds had been misused.
The group questioned how the disputed books may have handed by a variety course of involving professional committees, value negotiations and several other ranges of assessment.
The state authorities has ordered an inner audit of public library collections.
Rajmohan mentioned 523 books had already been faraway from the historic Connemara Public Library in Chennai metropolis after preliminary checks raised issues about their authenticity and high quality.
Disputed books have additionally been faraway from Periyar Arivulagam, whereas anti-corruption officers look at procurement data and examine different libraries, he added.
The controversy additionally sparked a political row in Tamil Nadu. Rajmohan accused the earlier DMK authorities of ordering the disputed books and mentioned the state would search to get better public cash if the investigation discovered wrongdoing.
The DMK has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and has referred to as for an investigation into the purchases.
Further reporting by Rachita Prasad
