Chennai, 04 July (H.S.):

Former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar have been summoned by the Chennai Police for questioning in connection with an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to destabilise the state government by offering money to ruling party legislators to defect.

The summons was served at the family's ancestral residence in Rameswarapatti village in Karur district, directing both men to appear before investigators on Monday, July 6. Police officials said the notice was received by Senthil Balaji's father.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Dr. Ilayaraja, MLA from Uthangarai constituency, who alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to switch political allegiance as part of a larger plan to topple the government. Following the complaint submitted to the Chennai Police Commissioner, a case was registered and an investigation was launched.

Based on information provided by the legislator, police arrested several suspects 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, sustained interrogation of the accused allegedly revealed details of a wider conspiracy. Investigators are examining claims that nearly Rs 180 crore had been earmarked to induce ruling party MLAs to defect in an attempt to destabilise the government.

Police are now tracing the alleged financial trail, analysing electronic devices, bank records and communications, and investigating the role of those suspected to have coordinated the operation.

As part of the next phase of the probe, investigators will question Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar regarding their alleged links to the arrested individuals and the claims that emerged during the investigation. Officials said further action would depend on the evidence gathered as the probe continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman