The probe into the alleged plot to undermine the Vijay government gained momentum as former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar faced questioning for a second day at the Triplicane Police station. The case originated from a complaint by Uthangarai TRC MLA Dr Ilayaraja, accusing a conspiracy known as the “Meghalaya Project” aimed at enticing 15 legislators to topple the ruling TVK government.
The Triplicane Police initiated an extensive investigation following the complaint, which detailed an alleged offer of a Rs 35 crore bribe to Dr Ilayaraja to switch political loyalties. Authorities suspect this operation was part of a larger scheme to induce defections within the ruling party and shift the political landscape in the state.
To date, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including former Minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. Both individuals were granted anticipatory bail by the Chennai Principal Sessions Court under strict conditions, requiring them to cooperate fully with investigators and report to the Triplicane Police Station twice daily.
The brothers adhered to the court’s orders by presenting themselves at the police station on consecutive days for questioning by a Special Investigation Team. The interrogation, led by Triplicane Deputy Commissioner Jayachandran, focused on documents seized during the investigation and involved over 50 inquiries regarding the alleged conspiracy, financial transactions, and attempts to influence elected officials. Police sources emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing to uncover the network behind the attempted MLA poaching, hinting at potential further interrogations and arrests as the investigation progresses.
