Look-out circular issued against Singapore-based businessman in TVK MLA bribery case
Tamil Nadu Police have issued a look-out circular against Singapore-based businessman Lakshmana Perumal over an alleged attempt to bribe a TVK MLA to vote against the state government.
- Look-out circular issued against Singapore-based Lakshmana Perumal over evidence destruction.
- Eight people arrested; LOCs and summonses also served on Senthil Balaji, Ashok Kumar.
- Both brothers later granted anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court.
INDIA, TAMIL NADU — Chennai Police have issued a look-out circular (LOC) against Singapore-based businessman Lakshmana Perumal, a suspect in the alleged conspiracy to bribe Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Dr N. Elaiyaraja into voting against the state government.
The Triplicane police issued the LOC on Thursday, 9 July 2026, after Perumal's alleged role emerged during the interrogation of suspects already arrested in the case. He is believed to be residing in Singapore and is wanted for questioning.
Investigators said Perumal, while in Singapore, arranged for the deletion of WhatsApp messages connected to the alleged negotiations and for CCTV footage to be erased from the hotel where a key meeting was said to have taken place.
Forensic experts are examining electronic records and communication data to establish the sequence of events.
Wider investigation and arrests
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. They include hoteliers S. Karthi, 42, and T. Athiban Ramesh, 45, who were detained in Karur on 1 July 2026, along with Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh, Thiyagarajan, Selva, E.M. Srinivasan, Rajesh, Karthik and Ramesh.
Police said the arrested men had acted on behalf of former minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother, RV Ashok Kumar, and that a meeting connected to the alleged plot was held at a hotel in Chennai.
LOCs and summonses against the brothers
Separately, Greater Chennai Police issued an LOC against Senthil Balaji, a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Coimbatore South MLA, and Ashok Kumar, to prevent them from leaving the country. Summonses were also issued on Saturday, 4 July 2026, directing both to appear before the Triplicane police in Chennai at 10.30am on Monday, 6 July 2026.
As the whereabouts of the brothers were not known, police delivered the summonses to their father, Velusamy, at the family's residence in Karur, in the presence of a village administrative officer and local police. Velusamy signed to acknowledge receipt.
Fearing arrest, Ashok Kumar approached the Madras High Court on Friday, 3 July 2026, seeking anticipatory bail. Justice C. Kumarappan adjourned the hearing to 6 July 2026 after the state counsel sought time to file a counter-affidavit, citing the seriousness of the matter.
On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to both Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar, directing them to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the investigating officer whenever required.
Background to the case
The case originated from a complaint lodged by Dr N. Elaiyaraja, the TVK MLA for Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district, with the Chennai Police Commissioner on 29 June 2026.
He alleged he was offered ₹35 crore (Indian rupees) to vote against Speaker JCD Prabhakar during a proposed Assembly resolution, and that he was threatened after declining.
Police registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators said the alleged prime accused, Thirunavukkarasu, had contacted Elaiyaraja at the instance of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar.
The investigation is continuing, with police pursuing further leads, including Lakshmana Perumal's presence in Singapore.
