Chennai Police are investigating a political conspiracy dubbed Project Meghalaya to destabilize the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government by trying to bribe some of its MLAs. Now the investigation has become more serious and a senior television journalist has been questioned and several suspects arrested.
The case arises from the complaint filed by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, representing the Uthangarai constituency. On the other hand, YouTuber Thirunavukkarasu, who runs the opinion polling platform IPDS, and others approached him and offered him Rs 35 crore to vote against the TVK party whip during an Assembly vote.
Elaiyaraja claimed he refused the offer and later received threats to his family. Based on his complaint, Chennai Police launched an investigation into what they perceive as a larger plan to influence legislators and possibly bring down the actor-turned-politician Vijay-led TVK government.
Project Meghalaya Under Investigation
According to investigators, evidence gathered during the probe indicates the existence of an operation internally referred to as "Project Meghalaya." Police said that the plan was to approach nearly 15 TVK MLAs with huge financial incentives for them to defy the party in the most important assembly session.
The investigators are also looking at whether the alleged conspiracy was a conspiracy and whether other people were involved in organizing the purported bribery attempts, officials said.
Senior Journalist Questioned
During the investigation, Chennai Police questioned Vijayan, a senior journalist with regional news channel Puthiya Thalaimurai, over his reported communication with the prime accused.
According to the police, Vijayan sent messages to Thirunavukkarasu and remained in touch with him during the period under investigation. The journalist was summoned for questioning on July 15 and 16 and his mobile phone was seized for forensic examination.
Police insist that the questioning has been conducted as part of normal investigation and all legal procedures are being adhered to.
Chennai Press Club Raises Concerns
The police action has drawn criticism from the Chennai Press Club, which called the questioning an attack on press freedom.
The organisation alleged that the journalist was interrogated until late at night on July 15, that his mobile phone was seized without proper legal procedure, and that he was summoned again the next day for further questioning.
The Press Club said it would be very valuable to the media to ensure journalists are not under any pressure to do their job.
Nine Arrested, More Questioning
Police have arrested nine people so far in connection with the alleged bribery conspiracy. And the investigation has also widened to include senior political figures.
Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok were also summoned for questioning as investigators probe whether they are involved in the alleged conspiracy.
DMK Rejects Allegations
DMK says it has never participated in the conspiracy. Party leaders dismissed the charges as politically motivated and accused the ruling TVK of trying to gain political mileage through unsubstantiated claims.
The DMK said it would contest the allegations through legal means and urged the public not to draw conclusions upon their investigation and to wait until the investigation was complete.
With many arrests already made and the probe widening to include journalists and senior political figures, the alleged “Project Meghalaya” case is also becoming one of the most closely watched political investigations in Tamil Nadu. But authorities say the investigation is not over and forensic investigation and questioning are ongoing.
