Legal Action Against Former Tamil Nadu Ministers Brother for Alleged Bribery Attempt

Chennai, July 2: The Tamil Nadu police have filed a case against Ashok Kumar, the brother of former DMK minister and Coimbatore South MLA V. Senthil Balaji. He is accused of attempting to bribe a legislator from the ruling ‘Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam’ (TVK) party with ₹35 crores to persuade him to switch parties.

TVK MLA N. Ilaiyaraja lodged a complaint against Ashok Kumar, alleging that he received repeated offers and threats to leave the ruling party. Following this complaint, the Tamil Nadu police initiated legal proceedings.

According to police sources, the accused allegedly approached the MLA and offered ₹35 crores in exchange for his support. Investigating officers claim that one of the arrested suspects, Naresh, revealed that he had met Ashok Kumar in Chennai before contacting Ilaiyaraja.

Naresh reportedly informed the police that he acted on the instructions of Ashok Kumar and Senthil Balaji to reach out to the TVK legislator.

Based on statements recorded during the investigation, the police have charged Ashok Kumar under four sections of the law, including provisions of the ‘Prevention of Corruption Act.’ Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing at multiple levels, and further actions will depend on the evidence collected.

Recently, Chennai police arrested five individuals accused of conspiring to persuade the TVK MLA to switch allegiance, aiming to topple the government.

This case has emerged amid political uncertainty following the assembly elections, where no party secured a clear majority. The DMK has consistently claimed that the TVK government is on the verge of collapse. DMK President M.K. Stalin has also raised questions about the stability of the government, asserting that the TVK lacks a full majority and may not complete its five-year term. He further suggested that fresh assembly elections could occur at any time.

Notably, the TVK, led by C. Joseph Vijay, secured 108 seats in the assembly elections. Subsequently, Joseph Vijay formed the government with the support of Congress and other parties.

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