T.T.V. Dhinakaran, deputy general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Amma, was questioned by the Delhi police here on Saturday for his alleged involvement in an attempt to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials to get the party’s two-leaves symbol for his faction.
The police said he was examined through the day.
“TTV Dinakaran appeared before investigating officer of Crime Branch, ISC Chanakya Puri at 3 p.m. He was questioned for around seven hours and at around 10.15 p.m. he was allowed to go. Since investigation further requires his questioning, he has again been called tomorrow,” Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said. Sources said Mr. Dhinakaran’s phones were being analysed on Saturday, including his call log, WhatsApp and text messages and e-mails.
Mr. Dhinakaran was booked on April 17 for allegedly trying to bribe EC officials through a middleman to obtain the two-leaves poll symbol for the ruling faction. The EC had frozen the symbol after the party’s rebel faction, led by O. Panneerselvam, had also staked claim to it. Sources said the alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar was present during the probe. Mr. Dhinakaran’s friend Mallikarjuna was also questioned. His personal assistant Janarthan was interrogated on whether he was aware of Mr. Chandrashekhar or had used his phone for communication.
