The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has officially acquired documents linked to the alleged ₹35-crore horse-trading case involving a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), according to sources on Monday. This development is part of an ongoing investigation by the Greater Chennai Police (GCP).
The case originates from a complaint filed by Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja, a member of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Elaiyaraja alleged that one Thirunavukkarasu, who introduced himself as the owner of Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IDPS), proposed that he support a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. He is also accused of offering a bribe of ₹35 crore to facilitate this.
Following these allegations, the MLA reported the incident to city police, leading to the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu and his associates. The special team from the Triplicane police apprehended Naresh from Tiruchi and Thiagarajan from Medavakkam in Chennai. In the process, investigators uncovered approximately ₹60 lakh in unaccounted cash from the premises of one of the suspects, indicating a possible hawala transaction.
Connections to Political Figures
As the investigation progressed, police discovered that one suspect, Naresh, had met V. Ashok Kumar, the brother of former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Minister and Coimbatore (South) MLA V. Senthilbalaji in Chennai. This led to further inquiries which suggested Thirunavukkarasu’s bribe attempt was allegedly orchestrated at the behest of Senthilbalaji and his brother.
This unfolding scenario has raised suspicions regarding an attempt to destabilize the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, with both the TVK and DMK accusing each other of engaging in horse-trading.
ED officials have reached out to Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Amalraj, requesting the relevant documents associated with the case. “We have given a set of case documents to the ED on their request,” stated a senior police officer.
Legal Proceedings
The Madras High Court granted conditional anticipatory bail to Mr. Senthilbalaji and Mr. Ashok Kumar in relation to this case on July 8, 2026, underscoring the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the situation.
