Triplicane Police Question TV Editor over Rs 35 Crore TVK MLA Horse Trading Case
The Triplicane police on Wednesday and Thursday questioned a senior news editor of the Puthiya Thalaimurai television channel in Triplicane over his alleged links to an accused in a ₹35-crore horse-trading case involving a Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA.
According to the police, the senior journalist had remained in continuous contact with Thirunavukkarasu, one of the arrested accused, during the period of the alleged criminal conspiracy. The police stated that the journalist and the accused had exchanged objectionable electronic communications.
To ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding these communications, the police issued summons to the journalist. Pursuant to the summons, the news editor appeared before the investigating officer on Wednesday and Thursday, where he was examined and his statement was recorded.
For the purpose of forensic examination, the police obtained the journalist's mobile phone and sent it for a detailed forensic analysis. The ongoing investigation is still active, and the journalist has been instructed to appear for further examination when required.
The broader investigation has uncovered a conspiracy code-named the 'Meghalaya Project'. Police disclosed that Thirunavukkarasu, in conspiracy with several other accused, had formulated this plan with the objective of inducing nearly 15 TVK MLAs through illegal monetary inducements, in an attempt to destabilise the elected government.
The case was originally registered at the Triplicane police station following a complaint lodged by N. Elaiyaraja, the TVK MLA representing Uthangarai.
In his complaint, Elaiyaraja alleged that Thirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber from Arumbakkam who runs an opinion polling organisation named 'IPDS', along with several other individuals, had attempted to influence him to vote contrary to the decision of the TVK during Assembly voting.
Elaiyaraja further alleged that he was offered an illegal gratification of ₹35 crore to vote as instructed by the accused. When he refused to comply, the accused allegedly subjected him and his family members to criminal intimidation, including threats to their lives.
