DMK MP moves Madras High Court for ED probe against BJP leader Nainar Nagendran in cash-for-votes case

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader R Girirajan has moved the Madras High Court seeking a direction for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation against senior BJP figures in connection with a major cash seizure in 2024..The petition names BJP State President and MLA Nainar Nagendran and former State General Secretary (Organisation) Kesava Vinayagam as respondents. Girirajan has alleged that the ED failed to initiate proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, despite evidence suggesting the seized funds constitute "proceeds of crime.".On April 6, 2024, authorities intercepted three individuals - Sathish, Perumal and Naveen in possession of ₹4 crore in cash at Tambaram railway station.According to the affidavit, the suspects were found in the A1 coach of the Nellai Express. They allegedly admitted that the cash was intended for distribution to voters in the Tirunelveli parliamentary constituency on behalf of Nainar Nagendran, who was then the BJP candidate. The case was initially handled by the Tambaram Police and subsequently transferred to the CBCID..The petitioner notes that the CBCID recently altered the charges to include Sections 120(b) (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.Girirajan argues that these charges constitute "scheduled offences" under the PMLA. The petition asserts that the seized cash qualifies as "proceeds of crime" as defined under Section 2(1)(u) of the Act. Consequently, the petitioner contends that the ED is statutorily obligated to investigate the money trail, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved..The plea describes the ED's failure to act as "arbitrary and illegal," suggesting that political considerations may be influencing the agency's decision-making process. The petitioner highlights that while the ED has been active in other high-profile cases involving state ministers, it has remained silent on this specific seizure involving members of the party ruling at the Central level.The petition concludes by stating that judicial intervention is necessary to ensure that investigative agencies discharge their duties independently and maintain the rule of law. The High Court is expected to take up the matter for preliminary hearing in the coming days..The plea has been filed through Advocate SG Prabhakaran