AIADMK Leader PM Mannan Questioned for Second Consecutive Day in Alleged Bribery Case

The Madurai Central Crime Branch (CCB) police on Saturday questioned senior AIADMK functionary and former Deputy Mayor P.M. Mannan for the second consecutive day over allegations that ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislators were offered money to destabilise the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Mannan, who also serves as the AIADMK’s deputy propaganda secretary, appeared at the CCB office in Viswanathapuram, Madurai, in compliance with a court directive issued on Friday.

TVK MLA alleges attempts to influence legislators

The investigation stems from a complaint filed by TVK legislator Madhar Badhurudeen, popularly known as Mustafa. He alleged that opposition functionaries had approached him with financial inducements to vote against the government during a proposed no-confidence motion.

Speaking to reporters at Madurai airport on Wednesday, Mustafa claimed that efforts were underway to engineer defections within the ruling party and undermine the stability of the Vijay-led administration.

The allegations triggered a political controversy, with the ruling TVK accusing opposition parties of attempting to influence the legislative process through monetary inducements.

Acting on Mustafa’s complaint, the CCB arrested Mannan on Friday morning and questioned him for more than eight hours under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Divya.

Investigators reportedly examined Mannan’s mobile phone conversations, communication records and contacts to determine whether other political figures were involved in the alleged attempt to influence legislators.

Court directs Mannan to appear for further questioning

Following his interrogation, Mannan was produced before Special Judge R. Joseph Joy at the district court.

During the proceedings, the judge questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, particularly why Mannan had been taken into custody on November 6 despite reportedly being summoned to appear for questioning on November 7.

The court subsequently released Mannan on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 and directed him to appear before the investigating officer again on Saturday.

Mannan complied with the order and returned to the CCB office, where investigators resumed questioning him about the allegations and his reported communications with individuals connected to the case.

The investigation has gained political significance amid allegations of an attempt to weaken the TVK government. Police are examining the complaint to establish whether any organised effort was made to influence legislators through financial inducements.