Tamil Nadu TVK MLA bribery probe leads to TV anchor's phone seizure

The Triplicane police in Chennai summoned senior news editor Vijayan of Puthiya Thalaimurai TV and seized his mobile phone for cyber‑forensic analysis. The action is part of an investigation into an alleged Rs 35 crore bribe offered by YouTuber and IPDS founder Thirunavukarasu to TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, aimed at influencing votes of around 15 TVK legislators under a scheme called the “Meghalaya Project”.

The case was filed after MLA Elaiyaraja complained that he was threatened with death for refusing the bribe. Police say documentary evidence shows Vijayan exchanged “objectionable” messages with Thirunavukarasu during the alleged conspiracy. The seizure prompted condemnation from the DMK, NTK and journalist bodies, with the Chennai Press Club calling it an “attack on press freedom” and DMK MP Kanimozhi describing the move as “arbitrary” and “strongly condemnable”. The journalist unions have demanded the phone’s return and intervention by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.