A senior editor of Puthiya Thalaimurai Television was questioned by the Greater Chennai Police over two days and his mobile phone seized for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged “Operation Meghalaya” conspiracy, in which police claim there was a bid to induce legislators of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to destabilise the state government, as reported in India Today.
According to an official statement issued by the Greater Chennai Police, investigators found that Vijayan, Senior News Editor of Puthiya Thalaimurai Television, had allegedly exchanged “objectionable electronic communications” with the prime accused, Thirunavukkarasu, and had remained in continuous contact with him during the period of the alleged criminal conspiracy.
Official statement from Greater Chennai Police:
Vijayan 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… https://t.co/ifDV8W18Xl pic.twitter.com/rKBeGzDYCJ— Siddharth Prabhakar (@Sidprabhakar7) July 16, 2026
The police said that, to ascertain the nature and circumstances of these communications, a summons was issued to Vijayan, who appeared before the investigating officer on 15 July and 16July 2026. During the two-day examination, his statement was recorded.
As part of the investigation, police obtained Vijayan’s mobile phone and sent it for detailed digital forensic analysis. The senior journalist has also been directed to appear before investigators whenever required for further examination.
Police Allege ‘Meghalaya Project’ Targeted TVK Government
In its statement, the Greater Chennai Police said further investigation had revealed that Thirunavukkarasu, along with several other accused, had allegedly devised a plan under the code name “Meghalaya Project” to induce nearly 15 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLAs through illegal monetary inducements with the objective of destabilising the elected government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Police alleged that documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation pointed to continuous communication between Vijayan and the prime accused during the period in which the alleged conspiracy was being executed.
Investigators are examining the seized mobile phone to determine whether the communications have any relevance to the broader conspiracy.
Case Originated from TVK MLA’s Complaint
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by Elayaraja, the ruling TVK MLA from Uthangarai, who alleged that Thirunavukkarasu, a YouTuber from Arumbakkam in Chennai and the operator of a polling agency named IPDS, along with several others, attempted to influence him to vote against the party’s stand in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly offered him ₹35 crore to vote as instructed by them. When he refused, they allegedly issued death threats against him and members of his family.
Police have alleged that the conspiracy sought to purchase the support of around 15 TVK legislators, enabling them to vote against the Speaker’s resolution and thereby destabilise the government.
So far, 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the case, with Thirunavukkarasu identified as the principal accused.
Political Row Over Investigation
The questioning of the senior journalist sparked political controversy, with DMK MP Kanimozhi accusing the TVK government of using the investigation to target journalists and political opponents.
Kanimozhi criticised the seizure of Vijayan’s mobile phone and his two-day detention for questioning, describing the action as arbitrary and politically motivated. Calling it an attack on press freedom, she demanded Vijayan’s immediate release and urged the government not to misuse investigative agencies to intimidate journalists.
Police, however, have maintained that Vijayan was summoned strictly as part of the ongoing investigation and that all legal procedures were followed.
The Chennai Press Club also issued a statement expressing concern over the development. It urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to intervene and ensure that the journalist is not harassed under the guise of investigation while the probe continues.
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