The Tamil Nadu Police have issued a look out circular (LOC) against Singapore-based businessman Lakshmana Perumal. Perumal is suspected of attempting to bribe a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA to vote against the state government during a proposed Assembly move. The police are expanding their investigation into this high-profile case.
Perumal, believed to be in Singapore, is thought to have played a significant role in the alleged conspiracy. The LOC aims to alert immigration authorities if he tries to enter or leave India. Authorities claim Perumal tried to destroy crucial digital evidence related to the case, including arranging for the deletion of CCTV footage and erasing WhatsApp conversations.
Forensic experts are analyzing digital evidence, such as electronic records and communication details, to establish the sequence of events. Police suspect Perumal had connections with others involved in persuading the TVK MLA to vote against the government. Efforts are ongoing to secure his presence in India through legal means as the investigation progresses.
The case began with a complaint from TVK Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged being offered Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker during a proposed Assembly resolution. The Triplicane police registered a case under relevant anti-corruption laws based on the complaint. The investigation revealed that the prime accused, Thirunavukkarasu, had contacted Elaiyaraja at the behest of former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother R.V. Ashok Kumar.
Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar were granted anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court, with directions to cooperate with the investigation. Police emphasize that the probe is ongoing, with intensified efforts to locate other suspects, including Lakshmana Perumal, whose alleged involvement is still under scrutiny.
