TV journalist questioned in TVK MLA bribery case

A journalist of a Tamil news television channel has been questioned in connection with the case of “alleged offer of bribe” to a ruling TVK legislator, police said on Friday.

The senior news editor was questioned for a couple of days, and his mobile phone was seized for a cyber forensic analysis, they said.

An official Chennai city police release said that a case was registered at Triplicane Police Station based on a complaint lodged by the ruling TVK legislator N Elaiyaraja (Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri).

In his complaint, he alleged that Thirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber from Arumbakkam, Chennai, who runs an “opinion survey organisation”, along with several other persons, attempted to influence him to vote contrary to the decision of his party, the TVK, during “voting” in the Legislative Assembly.

It was further alleged by the MLA that he was offered an illegal gratification of Rs 35 crore for voting as instructed by the accused.

Also, the legislator claimed that since he refused to cooperate, the accused intimidated him and his family members and issued “death threats.” Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Triplicane station, and an investigation was taken up.

Investigation revealed that Thirunavukkarasu, along with several others, had hatched a conspiracy under the code name “Meghalaya Project”, with the objective of inducing nearly fifteen TVK MLAs through illegal monetary inducements, thereby attempting to destabilise the elected Government.

During examination of the documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation, it was found that Vijayan, senior news editor of the Tamil channel, had exchanged “objectionable electronic communications with the arrested accused, Thirunavukkarasu, and had remained in continuous contact with him during the period of the alleged criminal conspiracy.”

In order to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding these communications, a summons was duly issued to the television journalist.

Pursuant to the summons, he appeared before the investigating officer on July 15 and 16. He was questioned, and his statement was recorded.

For the purpose of forensic examination, his mobile phone has been sent for “detailed digital forensic analysis” as part of the ongoing investigation.

He has been instructed to appear when required, police added.

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 are not threatened under the pretext of investigation, it said.

Several political parties on Friday strongly condemned the police action against the TV anchor, terming the confiscation of his mobile phone as “arbitrary” and an “attack on press freedom.”

CPI (M) state secretary P Shanmugam flayed the police, alleging Vijayan was harassed in the name of an enquiry. “Summoning him at midnight with the aim of threatening freedom of expression beyond the investigation is illegal. Such action is a violation of human rights,” he said in a statement and urged the chief minister to immediately intervene.

CPI State secretary M Veerapandian said when an allegation arises, it is the duty of the police to investigate in accordance with the legal procedures and court guidelines.

“It should be noted that all those participating in the TV programme hosted by Vijayan were in contact with him as his profession of journalism warrants. Trying to accuse Vijayan merely because he was in contact with them is an abuse of power,” Veerapandian said in a statement.

He further said that the “threat to the media,” which is the fourth pillar of democracy, and the “denial and deprivation of freedom of expression” are against the rights granted by the Constitution.

DMK deputy general secretary and party MP Kanimozhi slammed the police, and Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman claimed that Vijayan was unfairly targeted.

The Madras Union of Journalists too condemned the alleged “highhandedness of the police” and demanded that the Chief Minister stop the police from harassing the journalist and have his mobile phone returned.