Tamil Nadu Police are weighing their next legal steps against former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar after both failed to appear for questioning on 6 July in connection with an alleged ₹35-crore bribery conspiracy targeting a ruling-party legislator. As a precautionary measure, police have reportedly issued lookout notices at airports across the country to prevent the duo from leaving India.

Background: How the Case Unfolded

The controversy erupted after State Minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that a conspiracy was underway to engineer defections from the ruling Thoothukudi Vidiyal Kazhagam (TVK) by offering large sums of money to elected representatives. TVK MLA Dr. Ilayaraja, who represents the Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri district, subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Chennai Police Commissioner, alleging he had been offered ₹35 crore to switch political allegiance.

Arrests Made, Brothers Named

Acting on the complaint, the Triplicane Police registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities arrested nine people, including Thirunavukkarasu, the owner of election polling agency IPTS, who investigators allege was involved in negotiating the bribe deal. According to police sources, those arrested allegedly told investigators that they had acted on the advice of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar while attempting to broker the arrangement.

Summons Ignored, Police Deliberate Next Steps

Based on the statements of the arrested accused, police issued summons directing both brothers to appear at the Triplicane Police Station on 6 July. Journalists and photographers had gathered outside the station in anticipation, but neither Senthil Balaji nor Ashok Kumar presented themselves for questioning. Officials are now considering whether to issue fresh summons or pursue stronger legal measures, including efforts to trace their whereabouts, if the brothers continue to remain unavailable.

Political Fallout and What Comes Next

The alleged bribery case has triggered a significant political controversy in Tamil Nadu, with the investigation now entering a critical phase. The case centres on claims of an organised attempt to destabilise the C. Joseph Vijay-led government through inducements to ruling-party MLAs — a charge that, if substantiated, carries serious implications for the state's political landscape. Investigators are expected to intensify their efforts, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the brothers will face arrest warrants or other coercive measures.