Chennai, 01 July (H.S.): The alleged bid to engineer defections from the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has taken a fresh turn with the arrest of three persons, including a YouTuber and two DMK functionaries from Karur, over an alleged attempt to lure a TVK legislator to switch allegiance. The arrests have intensified the political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition, with investigators probing whether the accused acted on behalf of a wider network.

The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged that he was repeatedly approached with offers to defect from the TVK. The legislator claimed that sustained efforts were made to persuade him to change sides and that he was also subjected to threats during the alleged negotiations.

Following the complaint, Chennai's Triplicane police arrested YouTuber IPDS Thirunavukkarasu. During questioning, he allegedly revealed the involvement of two Karur-based individuals, prompting a police team to travel to the district and arrest Karthik and Ramesh, both local DMK functionaries who run Sakthi Mess.

Police are now investigating the extent of the trio's involvement and whether they were acting independently or at the behest of influential political figures. According to investigators, the two Karur men are considered close associates of former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji, while Karthik also serves as deputy secretary of the DMK's sports wing.

Searches were subsequently carried out at the residences and other premises linked to the accused. Police confirmed that cash was seized during the operation, though the amount has not been disclosed. Investigators are examining whether the seized money has any connection with the alleged attempt to influence elected representatives.

The arrests come a day after Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that efforts were being made to destabilise the TVK government by poaching its legislators. Investigators are probing claims that as many as three TVK MLAs were allegedly offered ₹15 crore each to switch allegiance.

Police said the investigation is continuing to identify others who may have played a role in the alleged conspiracy. The arrests of two DMK functionaries have added a fresh political dimension to the case, with further developments expected as the probe progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman