The Triplicane police in Chennai have questioned a senior editor of Puthiya Thalaimurai Television channel and seized his mobile phone for cyber forensic analysis in connection with a claim by Elayaraja, the ruling TVK MLA from Uthangarai, that he was offered ₹35-crore to vote against the ruling party in the House.

Police said the journalist was examined over two days. According to an official release, investigators found he had allegedly been in contact with the prime accused during the purported conspiracy.

In his complaint, the MLA alleged that Tirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber from Arumbakkam in Chennai, who runs a polling agency named IPDS, along with several others, had attempted to influence him to vote in the Legislative Assembly contrary to the stand taken by the TVK. He alleged they offered him a bribe of ₹35 crore to vote as instructed by them and, when he refused, issued death threats against him and his family.

Police said Tirunavukkarasu, along with others, had entered into a criminal conspiracy under the name “Meghalaya Project” to purchase the support of around 15 TVK MLAs by offering large sums of money, with the intention of destabilising the government, the police said

“During the examination of documentary evidence in the case, police found that Mr. Vijayan, Senior News Editor of Puthiya Thalaimurai Television, had sent objectionable messages to the arrested accused, Tirunavukkarasu, and had remained in continuous contact with him during the alleged conspiracy,” the release claimed.

As part of the investigation, a summons was issued to Mr. Vijayan, who appeared before the police and was questioned on July 15 and 16. His statement was recorded. His mobile phone was also obtained for cyber forensic analysis to examine evidence related to the case. Police have instructed him to continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation, the city police said in a statement.

The Chennai Press Club in a statement urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to intervene and ensure the journalist is not harassed by the police on the pretext of investigation.