Three arrested over alleged bid to lure TVK MLA, Karur DMK functionaries among those held

Chennai, July 1 (IANS) An alleged attempt to engineer defections from the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government snowballed on Wednesday after Chennai police arrested three persons, including a YouTuber and two DMK functionaries from Karur, in connection with an alleged plot to induce a ruling party legislator to switch over.

The case stems from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who represents the Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri district.

In his complaint, he alleged that repeated attempts were made to persuade him to defect from the ruling party. He also claimed that YouTuber I.P.D.S. Thirunavukkarasu had repeatedly contacted him, negotiated on behalf of others and threatened him in an effort to secure his support.

Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police in Chennai registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu. During interrogation, he allegedly disclosed the involvement of two individuals from Karur who had participated in negotiations with the MLA.

Acting on the information, a Chennai police team travelled to Karur and arrested Karthik and Ramesh, both identified as local DMK functionaries who operate a restaurant named Sakthi Mess.

Investigators are examining their alleged role in the conspiracy and whether they acted independently or on behalf of others.

According to police, the two arrested men are considered close associates of former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji and are said to have links with his business interests in Karur.

Karthik also holds the post of Deputy Secretary of the DMK’s sports wing.

Following the arrests, police conducted searches at the residences and other premises linked to the accused. Officials confirmed that cash was seized during the searches, though the exact amount has not been officially disclosed.

Investigators are examining whether the money is connected to the alleged attempt to influence elected representatives.

The arrests come a day after Minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that attempts were under way to destabilise the TVK government by luring its legislators. Investigators are probing claims that as many as three TVK MLAs were targeted and that each was allegedly offered Rs 15 crore to switch allegiance.

The case has triggered a political storm, particularly after the arrest of two DMK functionaries said to be close to former minister Senthil Balaji. Police said further investigation is under way to identify others who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.

–IANS

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