TVK MLA poaching case: 2 more arrested, total accused count reaches 14
Synopsis
Fourteen people are now in custody in the TVK MLA poaching case after two more arrests in Chennai on 18 July. Police seized ₹2.80 crore in cash from the latest accused, both reportedly linked to the DMK — deepening a political scandal that has already drawn in a former Tamil Nadu minister and his brother, both of whom have secured anticipatory bail.
Key Takeaways
Karunanidhi (52) of Korattur and Saravanan (49) of Saligramam arrested on 18 July in the TVK MLA poaching case.
Total number of accused in custody now stands at 14 .
Police seized ₹2.80 crore in cash from the two newly arrested persons.
Elayaraja had alleged he was offered ₹35 crore to switch political allegiance, triggering the investigation.
Former Tamil Nadu Minister V.
Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar — both of whom denied wrongdoing — have secured anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court .
Investigators say further arrests are possible as financial records and digital evidence continue to be examined.
Two more persons were arrested on Saturday, 18 July in connection with the alleged conspiracy to poach legislators of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), taking the total number of accused in custody to 14. The arrests mark a fresh escalation in one of Tamil Nadu's most politically charged criminal investigations in recent months.
Who Was Arrested
Police detained Karunanidhi (52), a resident of Korattur, and Saravanan (49), from Saligramam, after subjecting them to several hours of questioning at a city police station in Chennai. The two had been summoned for interrogation alongside Vinoth Venkatesan as part of the ongoing probe. Investigators said both men allegedly have links with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and are suspected of coordinating meetings, handling cash transactions, and facilitating contacts with other individuals connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Cash Seizure and Financial Trail
During the operation, police seized ₹2.80 crore in cash from the accused. Investigators are now examining the source of the funds and whether the money was intended for use in allegedly inducing elected representatives to switch political allegiance. Analysis of financial records and digital evidence is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further arrests.
How the Case Unfolded
The investigation was triggered after TVK MLA N. Elayaraja filed a complaint alleging he had been approached with an offer of ₹35 crore in exchange for extending political support. The complaint set off a sweeping police probe that has led to a series of arrests over the past several weeks. Those held earlier include IPDS founder Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh, Thiagarajan, Karthik, Ramesh, Selvan, Srinivasan, Rajesh, Krishna, Rajasekar of Namakkal, Sethurajan, and Ganesan.
Political Dimensions
The case has taken a distinctly political turn following allegations linking former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar to the alleged poaching attempt. Both have denied any wrongdoing. They subsequently obtained anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, which granted them protection from arrest while the investigation remains active. The DMK has not publicly responded to the latest arrests.
What Comes Next
Police officials confirmed that the probe remains open, with investigators continuing to analyse financial records, digital evidence, and witness statements before filing a final report. Further arrests are considered likely as the inquiry expands its scope.
Point of View
Even as its leaders maintain their innocence. The seizure of ₹2.80 crore in cash — if proven to be connected to the alleged poaching operation — would represent a significant evidentiary development, not merely a procedural one. What this investigation has so far exposed is the alleged mechanics of political horse-trading at scale: coordinated meetings, cash pipelines, and a ₹35 crore offer to a single MLA. The Madras High Court's anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji does not resolve the political damage — it merely defers it. The final report, when filed, will be the real test of how deep the conspiracy went and who authorised it.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TVK MLA poaching case?
The TVK MLA poaching case involves an alleged conspiracy to induce Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legislators to switch political allegiance by offering large sums of money. The case was triggered after TVK MLA N. Elayaraja complained that he was approached with an offer of ₹35 crore in exchange for political support.
Who were arrested on 18 July in the TVK poaching case?
Karunanidhi (52) of Korattur and Saravanan (49) of Saligramam were arrested on 18 July after hours of questioning at a Chennai city police station. Both are reportedly linked to the DMK and are suspected of coordinating meetings and handling cash transactions in the alleged conspiracy.
How much cash was seized in the latest arrests?
Police seized ₹2.80 crore in cash from the two newly arrested accused. Investigators are examining the source of the funds and whether the money was meant to be used to lure elected representatives.
What is the role of V. Senthil Balaji in this case?
Former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar have been named in allegations linked to the poaching attempt. Both denied any wrongdoing and subsequently obtained anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, which has granted them protection from arrest while the probe continues.
How many people have been arrested in the TVK poaching case so far?
As of 18 July, a total of 14 persons have been arrested in the case. Those held earlier include IPDS founder Thirunavukkarasu and several others; the two latest arrests are Karunanidhi and Saravanan.
