Chennai, July 6 (IANS) Former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji is expected to appear before the Chennai Police on Monday for questioning in connection with the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the TVK government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The development follows an investigation into allegations that attempts were made to lure legislators with huge sums of money in a bid to bring down the state government.

The case came to light after Dr Ilayaraja, the TVK MLA representing Uthangarai constituency in Krishnagiri district, lodged a complaint with Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj.

In his complaint, the legislator alleged that he had been offered Rs 35 crore to switch political allegiance as part of a larger conspiracy to topple the government.

Based on the complaint, a special police team launched an investigation and subsequently arrested several individuals allegedly linked to the plot. Those arrested include Thirunavukkarasu, founder of election polling firm IPDS, Thyagarajan and Naresh, who are reportedly considered close associates of Senthil Balaji; DMK functionaries Ramesh, Karthi and Selvan from Karur; AIADMK functionary Srinivasan from Manapakkam; and Rajesh of Asthinapuram.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the accused allegedly told police during questioning that there was a broader plan to spend nearly Rs 180 crore to induce TVK MLAs to defect. Investigators are also probing claims that the operation was carried out at the alleged direction of Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar.

Following these developments, Triplicane Police issued summonses directing Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear before investigators at 10.30 a.m. on Monday for questioning.

Police officials said the summonses were issued as part of the ongoing investigation and that both individuals are expected to cooperate with the probe.

Officials indicated that if either of them fails to appear before the investigating team without valid reasons, further legal action may be initiated in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, police have reportedly issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) to airports across the country to prevent the two from leaving India while the investigation is underway.

Security agencies have also been alerted, and surveillance at airports has been stepped up as a precautionary measure.

The investigation into the alleged cash-for-defection conspiracy is continuing, with police expected to question more suspects in the coming days.

–IANS

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