Senthil Balaji, brother questioned again in 'plot' to topple Vijay govt

Chennai, July 26 (AHN) The investigation into the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the Vijay government gathered pace on Sunday, with former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his younger brother Ashok Kumar appearing before the Triplicane Police for a second consecutive day of questioning in connection with the high-profile MLA poaching case.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Uthangarai TRC MLA Dr Ilayaraja before Chennai Police Commissioner Amal Raj, alleging that a large-scale conspiracy was hatched under the guise of what has been described as the “Meghalaya Project” to lure away 15 legislators in an attempt to bring down the ruling TVK government.

Based on the complaint, the Triplicane Police registered a case and launched an extensive investigation.

According to the complaint, Dr Ilayaraja was allegedly offered a bribe of Rs 35 crore to switch political allegiance. Investigators believe the alleged operation was part of a broader plan to engineer defections within the ruling party and alter the political balance in the state.

The police have so far arrested 14 people in connection with the case.

Former Minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar have also been named as accused during the course of the investigation.

Earlier, the Chennai Principal Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to both Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar, subject to stringent conditions. As part of the bail order, the two have been directed to report to the Triplicane Police Station every morning and evening, sign the attendance register, and extend full cooperation to the investigating officers.

In compliance with the court’s directions, the brothers appeared before the police station on Saturday and again on Sunday.

Police sources said they were questioned separately by a Special Investigation Team led by Triplicane Deputy Commissioner Jayachandran, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumaragurubaran and Assistant Commissioner Azhagu.

Investigators reportedly confronted the duo with documents seized during the probe and posed more than 50 questions relating to the alleged conspiracy, financial transactions and the purported efforts to influence elected representatives.

Police officials said the questioning forms part of the ongoing investigation to establish the alleged network behind the attempted poaching of MLAs.

The investigation remains active, and officials indicated that further rounds of interrogation and additional arrests are not being ruled out as the probe progresses.