TV Journalist Questioned In Vijay's TVK MLA Bribery Case

The City police questioned a journalist of a Tamil news channel in connection with the case of alleged bribery of the ruling TVK legislator, police said.

The senior news editor was examined for two days and his mobile phone was seized for a cyber forensic analysis in connection with a claim by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA N Elaiyaraja, representing the Uthangarai Assembly constituency, that he was offered Rs 35 crore to vote against the ruling dispensation during a proposed no confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker.

In his complaint before the Triplicane police, Elaiyaraja alleged that Thirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber from Arumbakkam, here, who runs the opinion poll organisation "IPDS", along with several others, attempted to influence him to vote against the TVK during the no confidence motion in the Assembly, a release from the police said late on Thursday.

The MLA was offered an illegal gratification of Rs 35 crore to vote as "instructed" and following his refusal, Elaiyaraja and his family members were subjected to criminal intimidation, the police said in the statement. Investigation revealed that Thirunavukkarasu conspired with several others and formulated a plan under a code name "Meghalaya Project", with the objective of influencing nearly 15 TVK legislators through monetary inducements, thereby attempting to destabilise the elected government, the release claimed.

"Upon examination of the documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation, it was found that Vijayan, senior news editor of Puthiya Thalaimurai Television, had exchanged objectionable electronic communications with the arrested suspect Thirunavukkarasu, and remained in contact with him during the period of the alleged criminal conspiracy," the release stated.

"In order to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding these communications, a summon was duly issued to Vijayan. Pursuant to the summons, he appeared before the Investigating Officer on July 15 and 16, and was examined and his statement recorded.

His mobile phone was obtained and has been sent for detailed digital forensic analysis as part of the on-going investigation. He was instructed to appear when required for further examination," the release said. Meanwhile, the Chennai Press Club condemned the police for summoning the TV anchor under the pretext of investigation, saying this was tantamount to "oppressive action against freedom of expression."

"Regardless of the case, the police have the right to summon relevant individuals for investigation or to provide witness statements. However, this must be done through legal channels and within its limits," the Chennai Press Club said in a statement. It urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to immediately intervene in the matter and ensure the confiscated mobile phone was returned to the journalist. Also, the chief minister should ensure journalists were not threatened under the pretext of investigation, it said.