Chennai Police have seized the phone of a senior journalist following allegations of a ₹35 crore bribery attempt involving a TVK MLA. The probe centers on a conspiracy dubbed the 'Meghalaya Project'.

Key Takeaways

  • Chennai Police questioned a senior journalist in connection with a ₹35 crore bribery attempt targeting a TVK MLA.
  • Investigators uncovered a conspiracy named 'Meghalaya Project' aimed at destabilizing the government.
  • The journalist's mobile phone has been seized for forensic analysis following 'objectionable communications'.
  • The Chennai Press Club has condemned the move as an attack on press freedom.

In a high-stakes development that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, the Chennai Police have intensified their investigation into an alleged ₹35-crore bribery attempt. The probe has now extended to the media, with a senior journalist from a prominent Tamil news channel being questioned and his mobile device seized for forensic scrutiny.

The Allegations and the 'Meghalaya Project'

The controversy erupted following a formal complaint by N. Elaiyaraja, the MLA from Uthangarai, who alleged that he was offered a staggering sum of ₹35 crore to vote against the ruling dispensation during a proposed no-confidence motion. As the investigation deepened, authorities uncovered a sophisticated conspiracy codenamed the 'Meghalaya Project'. According to police reports, this operation was designed to influence approximately 15 legislators from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) through massive monetary inducements to destabilize the sitting government.

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Journalist Under Scrutiny

The journalist, identified as a senior editor at Puthiya Thalaimurai Television, was summoned for questioning after investigators detected 'objectionable electronic communications' between him and the primary accused, Thirunavukkarasu. Thirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber and head of the opinion polling organization IPDS, is alleged to have been a key player in orchestrating the bribery attempt. Police maintain that the digital trail suggests the journalist remained in contact with the accused during the critical period of the alleged conspiracy.

Press Freedom vs. Criminal Investigation

The move has sparked a fierce debate regarding the boundaries of investigative powers and the protection of the Fourth Estate. The Chennai Press Club issued a stern condemnation, labeling the seizure of the journalist's phone as an 'oppressive action against freedom of expression.' While the club acknowledged the legal authority of the police to investigate, it urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ensure that investigative mechanisms are not weaponized to intimidate members of the media.