Chennai Police are probing an alleged plot dubbed "Project Meghalaya", which investigators claim was designed to bring down the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government by bribing several of the party's MLAs. As part of the ongoing investigation, a senior television journalist was questioned earlier this week, police said.
The investigation stems from allegations that efforts were made to induce at least one TVK legislator to violate the party whip during an Assembly vote. The complaint was lodged by Uthangarai MLA N Elaiyaraja, who alleged that YouTuber Thirunavukkarasu, the operator of the opinion polling organisation IPDS, along with others, offered him Rs 35 crore in exchange for voting against the party's stand.
Elaiyaraja further alleged that he and members of his family received threats after rejecting the offer. According to investigators, the probe has uncovered what they describe as "Project Meghalaya", an alleged plan to approach around 15 TVK MLAs with financial inducements in an attempt to unseat the elected government headed by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
As part of the inquiry, police questioned Vijayan, a journalist with the regional news channel Puthiya Thalaimurai, over his reported interactions with the prime accused. Investigators said evidence indicated that Vijayan had exchanged messages with Thirunavukkarasu and remained in contact with him during the period under scrutiny.
After being summoned for questioning on July 15 and 16, Vijayan's mobile phone was taken into custody for forensic examination.
The Chennai Press Club has condemned the police action, calling it an attack on press freedom. According to the organisation, Vijayan was questioned until late on the night of July 15, his mobile phone was seized without following due procedure, and he was asked to return for additional questioning the following day.
Police, however, have maintained that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with established legal procedures.
Authorities have arrested nine people so far in connection with the alleged bribery conspiracy. Former DMK minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok have also been summoned to appear before investigators.
Rejecting the allegations, the DMK accused the TVK of making false claims to secure political advantage and said it would pursue the matter through legal channels.
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