Chennai Police Interrogates Journalist Amid Allegations of Bribery in Vote Manipulation

In a significant development, the Chennai police have interrogated a senior journalist from a Tamil news channel and seized their mobile phone as part of an investigation into alleged bribery linked to a no-confidence motion against the assembly speaker. The inquiry stems from claims made by MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged he was offered ₹35 crores to vote against the ruling party. The police's actions have drawn criticism from the press community, which views the seizure as an infringement on press freedom. This article delves into the details of the investigation and the reactions from various stakeholders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 13:39 IST

Police Investigation into Alleged Bribery Scheme

The Chennai police have conducted an interrogation of a senior journalist from a Tamil news channel and confiscated their mobile phone for forensic analysis. This action is part of an investigation into allegations of bribery aimed at persuading a legislator from the ruling party, 'Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam' (TVK), to vote against a proposed no-confidence motion against the assembly speaker. The inquiry was initiated following a complaint from MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who claimed he was offered ₹35 crores to vote against the ruling party.

According to police reports, Vijayan, a senior news editor at 'Puthiya Thalaimurai Television', was questioned for two consecutive days. The investigation revealed that he had engaged in "incriminating electronic communications" with the arrested suspect Thirunavukkarasu and had been in contact with him during the alleged conspiracy.

Details of the Allegations

In a statement released late Thursday, police revealed that YouTuber Thirunavukkarasu, who operates an opinion polling agency named IPDS, allegedly conspired with others to persuade MLA Elaiyaraja to vote against TVK in exchange for ₹35 crores. The legislator also reported receiving threats to himself and his family after rejecting the offer. Authorities claim their investigation uncovered a conspiracy dubbed the "Meghalaya Project," aimed at influencing around 15 TVK legislators through monetary inducements to destabilize the elected government.

Investigators noted that digital and documentary evidence indicated that Vijayan had communicated with Thirunavukkarasu during the conspiracy. Based on this evidence, he was summoned for questioning and appeared before the investigating officer on July 15 and 16, where his statement was recorded.

Reactions from the Press Community

Following the seizure of his mobile phone for cyber forensic examination, Vijayan was asked to cooperate with the investigation as needed. The Chennai Press Club condemned the police's actions, labeling the summoning of the journalist and the confiscation of his phone as a "repressive act against freedom of expression." While acknowledging the police's right to question individuals during investigations, the club emphasized that such powers should be exercised within the bounds of the law. They urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to intervene and ensure the journalist's phone is returned, calling for the government to prevent intimidation of journalists under the guise of investigations.