Chennai Police Issue LOC Against Suspect in TVK MLA Defection Case
The Greater Chennai Police have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Lakshmana Perumal, a key suspect in the case involving an alleged attempt to induce Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to defect. Perumal is believed to be currently in Singapore.
The LOC was issued following leads obtained during the interrogation of nine accused already arrested in connection with the case, including Thirunavukkarasu, founder of the Indian People's Democratic Society (IPDS), and Naresh. Both were taken into two-day police custody for further questioning.
According to police sources, the arrested accused have stated that negotiations regarding the alleged deal and the exchange of money took place at a star hotel in Guindy, Chennai. Investigators further claim that after details of the alleged operation came to light, Lakshmana Perumal, who was in Singapore, deleted WhatsApp messages related to the negotiations and arranged for the deletion of relevant CCTV footage from the hotel. Police are currently verifying these claims as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case was registered by the Triplicane police based on a complaint filed by Uthangarai MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged that TVK legislators were offered money to switch allegiance from their party. The complaint prompted an investigation into the alleged attempt to destabilize the party.
The Look Out Circular is issued to alert immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies if Perumal attempts to enter or leave India, ensuring he is available for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking further evidence to corroborate the claims made by the arrested accused.
