The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has acquired copies of documents related to the alleged ₹35-crore MLA “horse-trading” case from the Greater Chennai Police (GCP), according to official sources reported on Monday.
This case emerged from a complaint filed by Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja, representing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Elaiyaraja has accused one Thirunavukkarasu, who claims to be the owner of Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IDPS)—a firm engaged in conducting surveys—of attempting to persuade him to support a proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker, alongside offering a bribe of ₹35 crore.
In response to these allegations, the MLA lodged a formal complaint with the city police, leading to the arrest of Thirunavukkarasu and his associates: Naresh from Tiruchi and Thiagarajan from Medavakkam, Chennai.
During the investigation, a significant amount of approximately ₹60 lakh in unaccounted cash was seized from one of the suspects’ premises. Law enforcement agencies also identified evidence that hinted at a possible hawala transaction linked to the case, as per sources.
Connections to Political Figures
The police disclosed that, during their investigations, it was revealed that one of the suspects, Naresh, had met V. Ashok Kumar, brother of former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Minister and Coimbatore (South) MLA V. Senthilbalaji, in Chennai.
Further inquiries unfolded that Thirunavukkarasu allegedly attempted to bribe the MLA on the instructions of Mr. Senthilbalaji and his brother. This development raised concerns regarding attempts to undermine the ruling party in the state, as both the TVK and the DMK have directed horse-trading accusations at each other.
ED’s Involvement and Bail Details
In a formal request, ED officials wrote to Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Amalraj, seeking copies of the relevant documents pertaining to the case. A senior police officer confirmed to The Hindu that a set of case documents had been provided to the ED upon their request.
On July 8, 2026, the Madras High Court granted conditional anticipatory bail to Mr. Senthilbalaji and Mr. Ashok Kumar in connection with this case, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities associated with the allegations.
This incident underscores the tense political climate in Tamil Nadu, where issues of corruption and power struggles are prevalent, and reflects the broader implications for the political landscape of the region.
