Chennai, July 22 (IANS) The investigation into the alleged attempt to poach TVK Uthangarai MLA Ilayaraja has gathered fresh momentum, with Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials reaching Karur amid indications that the money laundering angle of the case is now under scrutiny.
The alleged horse-trading case, which has emerged as one of the most politically sensitive investigations in Tamil Nadu in recent months, is being investigated by the Triplicane Police in Chennai. So far, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the case, and police have seized more than Rs 3 crore in cash during various stages of the investigation.
As part of the probe, the police investigating team had summoned former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar to appear for questioning. However, both approached the court seeking anticipatory bail and secured protection from arrest, allowing them to avoid immediate custodial interrogation while remaining subject to the conditions imposed by the court.
The investigation took a significant turn on the night of July 18 when the Karur Town Police conducted a raid at a finance company owned by businessman Kanagaraj in Karur. Following the search, the establishment was sealed by the police.
Sources said investigators recovered documents believed to be linked to the alleged MLA poaching operation during the raid.
While officials have not disclosed the nature of the documents or their evidentiary value, the material is understood to be undergoing detailed examination as investigators attempt to establish financial transactions connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Against this backdrop, six officials of the Enforcement Directorate have reportedly travelled to Karur to assess the available evidence and examine whether the alleged movement of funds falls within the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources indicated that the ED is expected to carry out searches at multiple offices and business establishments in Karur believed to be connected to individuals linked to the alleged horse-trading case.
The agency is likely to scrutinise financial records, property documents, bank transactions and other material to determine whether proceeds of crime were generated or routed through commercial entities.
Although neither the Tamil Nadu Police nor the Enforcement Directorate has officially confirmed the proposed searches, the arrival of ED officials in Karur is being viewed as a significant escalation in the investigation into the alleged attempt to influence a sitting TVK legislator.
–IANS
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