Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji is expected to appear before the Chennai Police on Monday for questioning in connection with the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the TVK government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The questioning is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that legislators were offered large sums of money to defect in an attempt to bring down the state government.
Probe Began After TVK MLA’s Complaint
The case surfaced after Dr Ilayaraja, the TVK MLA from Uthangarai constituency in Krishnagiri district, filed a complaint with Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj.
In his complaint, the legislator alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to switch political allegiance as part of a larger conspiracy to topple the government.
Based on the complaint, a special police team launched an investigation and arrested several individuals allegedly linked to the plot.
Those arrested include Thirunavukkarasu, founder of election polling firm IPDS, Thyagarajan and Naresh, who are reportedly close associates of Senthil Balaji, along with DMK functionaries Ramesh, Karthi and Selvan from Karur, AIADMK functionary Srinivasan from Manapakkam, and Rajesh from Asthinapuram.
According to sources, some of the accused allegedly told investigators that nearly Rs 180 crore was planned to be spent to induce TVK MLAs to defect. Police are also probing claims that the alleged operation was carried out under the direction of Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar.
Police Issue Summons, LOC
Following the developments, Triplicane Police issued summons directing Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear before investigators at 10.30 a.m. on Monday for questioning.
Police said the summonses are part of the ongoing investigation and both individuals are expected to cooperate with the probe.
Officials indicated that failure to appear without a valid reason could invite further legal action under the law.
Meanwhile, police have reportedly issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) at airports across the country to prevent the two from leaving India while the investigation is underway.
Security agencies have also been alerted and surveillance at airports has been intensified as a precaution.
The investigation into the alleged cash-for-defection conspiracy is continuing, with police expected to question more suspects in the coming days.