On 17 April 2026, DMK leader RS Bharathi peddled fake news alleging that ₹70 lakh in cash, purportedly linked to Zoho chief Sridhar Vembu, was seized by election flying squad officials while being routed to a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate contesting in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Addressing the media, Bharathi claimed that Vembu, whom he described as a wealthy industrialist with substantial holdings across companies and shares, had been transferring large sums of money in the names of BJP functionaries. He alleged that on the previous day, a sum of ₹70 lakh sent in this manner was intercepted and confiscated by election authorities during routine surveillance operations.
According to Bharathi, the amount had allegedly been released through a single cheque of ₹70 lakh to a specific individual. He stated that the recipient had encashed the cheque and was in the process of distributing the cash when election flying squad personnel apprehended the movement and seized the money.
The DMK leader further alleged that such financial transactions were not isolated and suggested a pattern of repeated transfers. He called for a detailed scrutiny of Vembu’s financial dealings, urging the Income Tax Department to examine the source and trail of funds.
Bharathi also pressed the Election Commission of India to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, including the circumstances under which the funds were transferred, encashed, and allegedly intended for distribution during the election period.
He stated that a formal complaint had been submitted to election authorities seeking immediate action, enhanced monitoring, and accountability. He emphasised that both election officials and tax authorities must coordinate to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure compliance with electoral laws and prevent unlawful influence on voters.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu refuted the allegations completely labelling it as fake news.
This is complete fake news.
இது முற்றிலும் பொய்யான செய்தி. https://t.co/JEpvqE571Q
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) April 18, 2026
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