DMK functionary arrested with Rs50 lakh in Thiruparankundram

Madurai: Police arrested a DMK functionary and seized 50 lakh in cash from him in Thiruparankundram in Madurai district for alleged involvement in distribution of cash to voters.The arrested individual was identified as Nagalingam, 46.According to police sources, acting on a tip-off that there was money distribution in the Thiruparankundram area, a team of police went on patrol, and at around 8.30pm, police intercepted Nagalingam at Kodangi Thoppu Street in Pamban Nagar while he was allegedly preparing to distribute the cash to voters, and on investigation, he was found to be in possession of unaccounted cash of 50 lakh.Subsequently, cash from him was seized and he was brought to Thiruparankundram police station for further interrogation.As news of the seizure spread, C T R Nirmal Kumar, the TVK candidate for the constituency, arrived at the police station with his supporters and demanded that police take stringent action against the accused and insisted on a transparent investigation into the incident.Election observers and officials from the income tax department were immediately called to the police station to verify the seized amount.Following a preliminary inquiry, the cash was officially handed over to the I-T department. Nagalingam was lodged in judicial custody.