Chennai, July 4 (IANS) The Chennai Police on Saturday issued summons to former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in connection with an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to destabilise the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led state government by attempting to lure legislators with cash.

The summons, served at the family’s ancestral residence in Rameswarapatti village in Karur district, directs both men to appear before investigators on July 6.

Police officials said the summons was received by Senthil Balaji’s father.

The investigation stems from a complaint filed by N. Elaiyaraja, MLA from Uthangarai constituency, who alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to switch political allegiance as part of an attempt to bring down the state government in Tamil Nadu.

The complaint was submitted to the office of the Chennai Police Commissioner, following which a case was registered and an investigation launched.

Based on information provided by the legislator, police arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the operation.

Those arrested include Tirunavukkarasu, founder of election polling firm IPDS, Thiyagarajan of Medavakkam, Naresh of Besant Nagar, Ramesh and Karthi from Karur, Selvan of Pallikaranai, AIADMK functionary Srinivasan of Manapakkam, and Rajesh of Hastinapuram.

According to police sources, the accused were questioned extensively after their arrest.

During interrogation, investigators claim to have uncovered details of a larger conspiracy in which as much as Rs 180 crore was allegedly earmarked to induce ruling TVK MLAs to defect, with the objective of destabilising the state government.

Investigators are now examining the alleged financial trail, the identities of those said to have coordinated the operation, and the extent of the purported conspiracy.

Officials are also analysing electronic devices, financial records and communication between the accused to establish whether the alleged plan was executed by a wider network.

As part of the ongoing probe, police have sought to question Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar regarding their alleged links to the individuals arrested and the claims that emerged during the investigation.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific questions they intend to put before the two brothers.

The investigation is continuing, and police have indicated that further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the next phase of the inquiry.

–IANS

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