Chennai, July 18 (IANS) The investigation into the alleged attempt to poach Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislators gathered fresh momentum on Saturday with the arrest of two more persons, taking the total number of accused held in the case to 14.
Police arrested Karunanidhi (52) of Korattur and Saravanan (49) of Saligramam after questioning them for several hours at a city police station. The duo had been summoned for interrogation along with Vinoth Venkatesan as investigators continued to probe the alleged conspiracy to induce TVK legislators to switch political allegiance.
During the operation, police seized Rs 2.80 crore in cash from the accused. Investigators are examining the source of the money and whether it was intended to be used as part of the alleged bid to lure elected representatives.
Officials said further inquiries are under way to identify others who may have played a role in the alleged conspiracy.
The case stems from allegations that attempts were made to poach TVK MLAs by offering huge sums of money and other inducements. The controversy erupted after TVK MLA N. Elayaraja complained that he had been approached with an offer of Rs 35 crore in exchange for extending political support.
The complaint triggered a major police investigation, leading to a series of arrests over the past few weeks.
Police said the investigation has so far revealed that both Karunanidhi and Saravanan have links with the DMK. Officials are examining their alleged role in coordinating meetings, handling cash transactions and facilitating contacts with individuals connected to the case.
Investigators have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to analyse financial records, digital evidence and statements collected during the probe.
Those arrested earlier in the case include IPDS founder Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh, Thiagarajan, Karthik, Ramesh, Selvan, Srinivasan, Rajesh, Krishna, Rajasekar of Namakkal, Sethurajan and Ganesan.
The investigation had also taken a political turn after allegations surfaced linking former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar to the alleged poaching attempt. Both denied any wrongdoing and subsequently secured anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court. The court granted them protection from arrest while the investigation continues.
Police officials said the probe remains open and that all aspects of the alleged conspiracy are being examined before a final report is filed.
–IANS
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