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Case filed against ex-TN Minister Senthil Balaji's brother in Rs 35 ... Case filed against ex-TN Minister Senthil Balaji’s brother in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA 'bribe' row By IANS | Updated: July 2, 2026 09:30 IST 2026-07-02T09:26:37+5:30 2026-07-02T09:30:18+5:30 Preferred on Preferred on Next Chennai, July 2 Tamil Nadu’s political battle intensified on Thursday after police registered a case against Ashok Kumar, ... Case filed against ex-TN Minister Senthil Balaji’s brother in Rs 35 crore TVK MLA 'bribe' row Chennai, July 2 Tamil Nadu’s political battle intensified on Thursday after police registered a case against Ashok Kumar, the brother of former DMK minister and Coimbatore South MLA V. Senthil Balaji, in connection with an alleged attempt to induce a ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) legislator to defect by offering Rs 35 crore. The case has emerged amid continuing political uncertainty following the Assembly election, in which no party secured an outright majority. The TVK, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats and subsequently formed the government with the support of Congress and other parties that had contested the election …

Look out notice issued against Singapore based suspect in Rs 35 crore ... Tamil Nadu Police issued a lookout circular against Singapore-based businessman Lakshmana Perumal over an alleged bid to bribe a TVK MLA. Investigators accused him of destroying digital evidence while expanding the probe into the alleged cash-for-vote conspiracy and related threats Chennai:The Tamil Nadu Police have issued a look out circular (LOC) against Singapore-based businessman Lakshmana Perumal in connection with the alleged attempt to bribe a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA to vote against the state government during a proposed Assembly move, as investigators widen their probe into the high-profile case. According to police, Lakshmana Perumal, who is believed to be staying in Singapore, is suspected to have played a significant role in the alleged conspiracy and is wanted for questioning. The LOC has been issued to ensure that immigration authorities alert the investigating agency if he attempts to enter or leave India. Investigators alleged that Lakshmana Perumal tried to destroy crucial digital evidence linked to the case. Police claimed that while in Singapore, he arranged for CCTV footage f…

Police Launch Manhunt For Senthil Balaji's Brother In TVK MLA Bribery Case ETV Bharat / state Police Launch Manhunt For Senthil Balaji’s Brother In TVK MLA Bribery Case The investigation has expanded with multiple arrests after suspects allegedly revealed details of a plot to influence a legislative vote through a cash offer. File photo of Senthil Balaji ( IANS ) By ETV Bharat English Team Published : July 3, 2026 at 5:46 PM IST 2 Min Read Chennai: Police have launched a manhunt for Ashok Kumar, brother of former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, after fresh arrests in connection with the alleged Rs 35 crore bribery offer made to a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA to influence his vote during a proposed no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker. The development follows the arrest of three more suspects in Bengaluru, whose statements during interrogation allegedly linked Ashok Kumar and others to the conspiracy, police sources said. The arrested accused have been identified as Selvam (54) from Pallikaranai, Srinivasan (46) from Madambakkam, and Rajesh (43) from Chromepet. The case stems from a complaint filed on June 29 by TVK MLA Dr N. Elaiyaraja, representing Uthangar…

DVAC books former DMK minister E V Velu, 10 others in corruption case ... CHENNAI: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a corruption case against Thiruvannamalai DMK MLA and former Highways and Minor Ports minister E V Velu over alleged irregularities in road works in Karur and other districts. On Thursday, searches were conducted at 14 places linked to Velu and other accused. The Special Investigation Cell filed the FIR on Wednesday, naming E V Velu as the first accused along with ten other present and former Highways officials, and contractor Sankaranand Infra. The case was registered based on a petition submitted by Arappor Iyakkam convenor Jayaram Venkatesan in April 2022. According to the FIR, Sankaranand Infra received a tender in March 2022 for “Widening and Improvements, Improvements to Riding Quality, Reconstruction of Cross Drainage Works in Government Roads of Karur (Highways)” for around Rs 7 crore, but payments amounting to Rs 3.23 crore were made on March 25 and 28 without the work being carried out. The FIR says four road works in Karur alone totalled Rs 3.23 crore against a sanctioned amount of Rs 4.19 crore. It also refers to s…

Three held for Rs 35 crore bribe bid to TVK MLA; Senthilbalaji under scanner CHENNAI: Three persons, including a man claiming to represent a political strategy firm, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA to vote against the Assembly Speaker and allegedly threatening him after he refused the offer. Probe has revealed that the arrested persons were puppeteered by former minister and former DMK minister V Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar, Chennai police said. The complainant, TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja from the Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri district, approached the Chennai Police Commissioner on Monday (June 29) stating that he was approached by a man, identified as Thirunavukkarasu, with the offer. Thirunavukkarasu claimed he ran a survey firm named Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS) and said he was contacting the MLA at the request of “some people from an important party" and asked for an in-person meeting. When Elaiyaraja disconnected the call, Thirunavukkarasu called again and allegedly told the MLA that a resolution was to be moved in the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the Speaker. He asked the …

DMK tried to topple Vijay govt? TVK alleges Rs 50 crore offers to MLAs ... A horse-trading row has erupted in Tamil Nadu less than two months after Joseph C Vijay became Chief Minister. The ruling TVK has alleged that individuals linked to senior DMK leaders offered up to ₹50 crore to lure its MLAs. The allegations led to the arrest of three people on Wednesday and triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition DMK, which has denied the charges. The controversy began after TVK MLA N Ilayaraja alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore to influence his stand during a proposed Assembly resolution vote. According to the complaint, a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu approached the legislator claiming to represent a political firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies and later offered money in exchange for support during the voting process. Ilayaraja rejected the offer and subsequently approached the police, alleging that he and his family were threatened. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu and two associates, Naresh and Thiyagarajan. TVK Targets DMK Leadership The row escalated…

TVK MLA poaching case: Brother of Ex-DMK Minister Senthilbalaji moves ... Chennai, July 3: V Ashok Kumar, brother of DMK heavyweight and former Minister V Senthilbalaji, on Friday filed an anticipatory bail petition in the Madras High Court apprehending arrest in the case relating the plot to poach a ruling TVK MLA with a Rs 35 crore bribery offer to switch sides during voting on a resolution against the Speaker in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. After booking cases against Ashok Kumar under four sections, including under the Prevention of Corruption Act, police launched search operations to arrest him. Special teams also rushed to his native Karur district and searched his residences, However, he was said to be absconding. Since Senthibalaji’s name was also included in the FIR, police have also launched search operations to apprehend him. Fearing arrest in the case, Ashok Kumar filed the anticipatory bail plea contending that the whole allegation was part of the political conspiracy against him. He said he had no connection with the alleged plot to destabilise the State government. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the court directed the police to file its reply and adjourned th…

The Senthil Balaji sting: Allegations of a DMK political subversion © Copyright 2026 The Week Online. All rights reserved. Amid allegations of horse trading, the ruling TVK administration seems to have carefully diverted the issue against the opposition DMK by naming one of the former ministers Lakshmi Subramanian Updated- July 01, 2026 07:37 PM IST 5 minuteRead Link Copied Tamil Nadu Police have arrested three individuals for allegedly attempting to destabilise the Vijay-led TVK government through a horse-trading scheme involving bribes of up to ₹50 crore to influence an MLA's vote against the Speaker Former DMK Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother have been accused as central figures in the conspiracy, with police alleging Thirunavukkarasu, the alleged solicitor, acted directly under their instructions to orchestrate the plan The TVK government, holding a slim majority with 108 seats in a 234-member house, views this alleged bribery and the proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker as a deliberate attempt by the DMK to seize power through illicit means The Tamil Nadu Police on Wednesday arrested three people over alleged horse trading bid aimed at destabil…

Three men arrested for bid to bribe TVK MLA for vote during no-confidence motion against T.N. Assembly Speaker Investigation has revealed that V. Ashok Kumar, who is the brother of former DMK Minister and incumbent Coimbatore South MLA V. Senthilbalaji, met the accused, Naresh, in Chennai.

Vijay Faces First Political Crisis: TVK, DMK ‘Horse Trading’ Row ... DMK has denied the allegations and responded with counter allegations, accusing the ruling party of attempting to induce its legislators. The caolition government of Chief Minister Vijay-led ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) came under threat in Tamil Nadu as the allegations of  attempted “horse-trading” emerged against the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The DMK has denied the allegations and responded with counter allegations, accusing the ruling party of attempting to induce its legislators. The controversy began with a complaint by a TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja alleging that he was offered money to vote in a particular manner in the Assembly. Since then, the case has led to the arrest of three people, while both parties have continued to level allegations and counter allegations. ByOutlook News Desk The row traces its origins to a complaint filed by TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja on June 29, alleging that a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu contacted Elaiyaraja claiming to represent Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS) and said he was reaching out on behalf of members of a major political party.…

TVK MLA's Rs 35 Crore Bribe Claim, Then A DMK Link: Tamil ... - Times Now The Tamil Nadu Police arrested three people over an alleged horse-trading bid aimed at destabilising the Chief Minister Vijay-led TVK government in the state. The development came after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA N Elaiyaraja alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to influence his vote on a proposed Assembly resolution against the House Speaker. According to the complaint filed by Elaiyaraja on June 29, a man named Thirunavukkarasu contacted him claiming to head an opinion polling organisation called Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS) and said he was reaching out on behalf of members of a major political party. The caller allegedly asked the TVK legislator to vote in a particular manner when the resolution would be moved against the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, despite being a member of the ruling party. In return, he allegedly offered Elaiyaraja up to Rs 35 crore. The MLA further informed that when he rejected the offer, the caller allegedly threatened him and warned that he would disclose the conversation. The ' DMK Link' Following the complaint, the police registered…

DMK to move court if TN Governor fails to act on 'horse-trading ... CHENNAI/PUDUKKOTTAI: The DMK on Thursday intensified its attack on the ruling TVK, accusing the Vijay-led government of indulging in “horse-trading”, attempting to politically target former minister V Senthil Balaji, and levelling “baseless allegations” against the opposition. Addressing reporters at Anna Arivalayam, DMK legal wing state joint secretary I Paranthaman said the party would move court if no action is taken on the complaint submitted to the governor seeking action over alleged horse-trading attempts by TVK. Dismissing allegations that DMK leaders approached TVK MLAs to topple the government, he said, “TVK, which came to power with a slender majority of 108 seats, is constantly worried about its survival.” Paranthaman further alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had engaged in political manoeuvring after the Assembly elections. “He met leaders of almost all political parties but did not meet AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Instead, he met second-rung AIADMK leaders. Isn’t that horse-trading,” he asked. Referring to remarks by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, Paranthaman claimed t…

Vijay govt accuses DMK of horse-trading, 3 arrested A significant political controversy has engulfed Tamil Nadu as the ruling TVK accuses the DMK of attempting to poach its MLAs through alleged horse-trading, leading to multiple arrests and a police investigation into the high-stakes political manoeuvring. Tamil Nadu's main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on Wednesday accused each other of alleged horse-trading with the former knocking on the doors of the Lok Bhavan seeking action and the police arresting three men with alleged links to the Dravidian party in connection with 'inducement'. The accusations by the rivals against each other came just over a month after the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government was sworn in after it defeated the DMK in the April 23 assembly polls. TVK leader and Energy Resources Minister Nirmal Kumar rejected DMK's allegations of horse-trading. No one was induced and it was the wish of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) to align with the TVK and there was nothing wrong about it, he told reporters in Chennai. "Nothing was offered, and no negotiation was held, and the two MLAs (who won on DMK t…

Madras High Court grants relief to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji, brother in ... The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA and former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother RV Ashok Kumar in the ₹35 crore horse-trading case involving a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA [Senthil Balaji Vs State]. JusticeG K Ilanthiraiyangranted the relief subject to conditions. The Court directed Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear before the investigating officer daily until further orders and cooperate with the investigation. The case stemmed from a complaint by Uthangarai MLA N Elaiyaraja, who belongs to the TVK. He alleged that he was contacted over phone by a person named Thirunavukkarassu and told that a major political party would move a resolution in the assembly to topple Chief Minister Vijay's government. According to the complaint, Elaiyaraja was asked to vote in favour of the resolution. He alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore for the same and was threatened with dire consequences if he did not act in a particular manner. The police later claimed that Elaiyaraja had been contacted at the behest of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. Three persons were arres…

BREAKING | Madras High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To DMK ... - LiveLaw 8 July 2026 5:05 PM IST The Madras High Court on Wednesday (July 8) granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in a case lodged over allegations of offering ₹35 crore bribe to a TVK MLA in an alleged attempt to influence his vote for Assembly Speaker. The court granted anticipatory bail to Balaji and his brother, subject to certain conditions. The court further asked the petitioners to appear before the investigating officer daily until further orders and cooperate with the investigation. Appearing for Balaji, Senior Advocate NR Elango submitted that the complaint was made 2 days after the alleged phone call. He said that there is no recording of the call, only CDR records. Elango said that the allegations against Balaji were presumptions including that there was an "attempt to topple the government". At this stage,Justice Ilanthiraiyanasked, "What's your role? As per FIR, there's nothing". To which Elango said that the prosecution had only one piece that Balaji was in Erode on the same day as the prime accused. He said that Tamil Magazines were reporting that stat…

₹35 crore bribe offer to TVK MLA: Former minister Senthil Balaji's ... © Copyright 2026 The Week Online. All rights reserved. The case stems from a complaint by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged he was offered a ₹35 crore bribe and threatened over the phone to vote against the assembly speaker Lakshmi Subramanian Updated- July 03, 2026 03:29 PM IST 2 minuteRead Link Copied V. Ashok Kumar moves Madras High Court for anticipatory bail after being accused of trying to bribe a TVK MLA TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja claimed that he and his family were threatened with "consequences" if he refused the deal Kumar denies any involvement, stating he never spoke to the MLA and is being framed Former DMK minister V. Senthil Balaji’s brother V. Ashok Kumar has moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered against him for allegedly trying to offer a bribe of ₹35 crore to TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja from the Uthangarai constituency. The anticipatory bail plea has been listed for hearing before Justice C. Kumarappan during the second half of Friday. The Triplicane police had booked Balaji and Kumar and had registered the FIR. Based on Elaiyaraja’s complaint filed on June …

Senthilbalaji seeks anticipatory bail in alleged Rs 35 Crore horse ... CHENNAI:Contending that the allegations that he orchestrated the alleged plot to bribe a TVK legislator with Rs 35 crore were unsubstantiated and politically motivated, influential DMK leader and Coimbatore SouthMLA V Senthilbalajimoved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. On June 29, the ruling party’s UthangaraiMLA N Elaiyarajalodged a complaint with the Chennai police Commissioner alleging that he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker during a proposed resolution in the Assembly, and was threatened when he rejected the offer. The Triplicane police registered a case under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After being arrayed as an accused, Senthilbalaji approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail. According to the prosecution, the investigation revealed that the caller, Thirunavukkarasu, contacted Elaiyaraja at the instance of Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. In his anticipatorybail plea, Senthilbalaji submitted that there is no call detail record, WhatsApp communication, voice record, message, tower loca…

DMK MLA Senthil Balaji Approaches Madras High Court Seeking ... - LiveLaw 7 July 2026 2:18 PM IST DMK MLA Senthil Balaji has approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case alleging that he, along with his brother Ashok Kumar, attempted to offer Rs 35 Crore to an MLA belonging to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in an attempt to influence the vote for Assembly Speaker. The plea is expected to be listed tomorrow, along with the anticipatory bailplea filed by his brotherin connection with the same case. When the anticipatory bail plea of Ashok Kumar came up for hearing before Justice C Kumarappan on Monday (July 6), the State had sought additional time to file a counter. The State had also argued that since the case involved a sitting MLA (Balaji), the case should be tried by the judge holding portfolio for dealing with cases relating to MPs and MLAs. Following this, the judge directed the Registry to place the matter before the concerned judge. Now, both the anticipatory bail pleas are expected to be listed before Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, who is holding portfolio for dealing with cases relating to MPs and MLAs. It may be noted that on June 26, El…

TVK, DMK accuse each other of horse-trading after TVK, DMK accuse each ... The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday accused each other of horse-trading following the arrest of three people on a complaint by TVK legislator N Elaiyaraja, alleging financial inducement to vote against the speaker in the state assembly. State minister R Nirmal Kumar alleged that the three men were in touch withDMKleader V Senthil Balaji and were offering around₹35 crore to each legislator. The DMK hit back, accusing the TVK of horse-trading and urging the governor to initiate a probe. On June 29, Elaiyaraja filed a complaint with the Greater Chennai police commissioner, alleging that one Thirunavukkarasu contacted him,claiming to run aconsultation firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS) and was reaching out on behalf of a major political party. The MLA alleged that Thirunavukkarasu asked him to vote in favour of a proposed no-confidence vote against speaker JCD Prabhakar, and offered him up to₹35 crore as inducement. Also Read | DMK hits out at TVK govt over DVAC raids A case was registered at the D1 Triplicane Police S…

₹35-crore TVK MLA bribery case: Senthilbalaji’s brother Ashok Kumar moves Madras High Court for anticipatory bail Claims that he has no connection whatsoever with the case and that he had been roped into the matter with a political motive

Former TN Minister Senthilbalaji summoned in alleged MLA poaching case CHENNAI:Chennai police on Saturday served summons to former minister V Senthilbalaji and his brother RV Ashok Kumar, directing them to appear for questioning on July 6 in connection with the alleged attempt to topple the ruling TVK government by poaching its MLAs. The summons was served at Senthibalaji's ancestral house in Rameswarapatti in Karur district and received by his father, according to Daily Thanthi. The inquiry follows a complaint filed by Uthangarai TVK MLAN Elaiyaraja, who alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to switch sides as part of a bid to bring down the State government. Based on the complaint, Chennai police arrested eight persons, including IPDS election survey firm founder Thirunavukkarasu, along with Thiagarajan, Naresh, Ramesh, Karthi, Selvan, AIADMK functionary Srinivasan, and Rajesh. During interrogation, the arrested persons allegedly told investigators that a conspiracy had been hatched to spend around Rs 180 crore to lure TVK MLAs and destabilise the government. Police are continuing their investigation into the case. Meanwhile, after the city police alleged that the accused…

DMK accuses CM Vijay, Vaiko of horse-trading bid; seeks DVAC probe CHENNAI:The DMK on Wednesday accused Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko of attempting to induce two sitting MLAs elected on the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol toresignfrom the Assembly, and urged Governor RV Arlekar to direct the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR and investigate the alleged "horse-trading" attempt. In a representation addressed to Governor and the DVAC, DMK Organising Secretary RS Bharathi alleged that theChief Ministerand Vaiko had conspired to persuade two MLAs—TM Rajendran (Kadayanallur) and S. Senthil Selvan (Sirkazhi)—to resign and recontest the election. Though thetwo legislatorsbelong to the MDMK, they were elected to the Assembly on the DMK's symbol as part of the then alliance arrangement. Bharathi's complaint referred to remarks allegedly made by Vaiko during the MDMK general council meeting, in which he claimed that Chief Minister Vijay had requested him at a meeting held at his Pattinapakkam residence to convince the two legislators to resign. According to the complaint, Vaiko allegedly stated that the Chief Minister had as…

35 crore bribe offer, three arrests: Was there a plot to topple Vijay's Govt? An alleged bid to influence a legislator's vote has sparked a political row in Tamil Nadu after MLA N Elaiyaraja claimed he was offered ₹35 crore to vote in a particular manner during a proposed resolution in the State Assembly. Following his complaint, police have arrested three people and launched an investigation into the alleged conspiracy. According to officials, Elaiyaraja lodged a complaint with the Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police on June 29, alleging that a man identified as Thirunavukkarasu approached him claiming to represent an opinion polling organisation named Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS). The accused allegedly said he was acting on behalf of members of a major political party. In his complaint, the MLA alleged that Thirunavukkarasu urged him to vote in a particular way during a proposed resolution against the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He further claimed that he was offered up to ₹35 crore as an inducement to support the move. Elaiyaraja also alleged that after he refused the offer, he was threatened and warned against revealing the conversati…