Investigation Reveals ₹180 Cr Scheme to Defect TVK Legislators, Senthil Balaji Questioned

Police inquiries have uncovered a purported scheme worth about ₹180 crore aimed at prompting TVK lawmakers to abandon the party. The plan, according to statements from arrested suspects, involved large cash payments to secure defections.

Key figures detained include the founder of a political survey firm, two aides identified as close collaborators of former minister V. Senthil Balaji, and several party functionaries from districts such as Karur, Manapparai and Asteripuram.

The investigation traces the origin of the scheme to directives allegedly issued by Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. Authorities have now issued a formal notice for both brothers to appear before the investigative team on Monday at 10:30 a.m.

Police have warned that failure to cooperate without a valid reason will invite stringent legal consequences, and a look‑out circular has been circulated to airports nationwide to prevent the suspects from leaving the country.