Police expand probe in TVK MLA poaching case; conspiracy allegedly targeted 15 legislators
Chennai police have expanded their investigation into an alleged conspiracy to poach 15 TVK legislators with multi-crore bribes. Twelve individuals have been arrested, with investigators linking the plot to former minister V. Senthilbalaji.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant political instability and corruption allegations within regional Indian politics, involving high-level officials and illicit financial networks.
The Chennai police have widened their investigation into the alleged attempt to poach MLAs from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), claiming that the conspiracy aimed to lure at least 15 legislators with offers of ₹30 crore to ₹35 crore each.
Investigators alleged that intermediaries were promised ₹5 crore for every successful deal, while the prime accused, Thirunavukkarasu, was in touch with hawala operators. Further investigation is under way and more individuals are expected to be questioned.
On June 26, TVK’s Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja received a call from Thirunavukkarasu, who claimed to run an opinion-poll firm, IPDS, in Chennai. After repeatedly seeking a personal meeting, the caller allegedly offered the MLA ₹35 crore to defy the party whip during a motion against the Speaker. When he refused, the caller allegedly threatened him and his family.
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