Sat Jun 14 08:33:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary named K.R. Venkatesan, alias ‘Milagaipodi’ Venkatesan, has been arrested by Avadi City Police in Chennai on charges of cheating and threatening consumer durable suppliers. Venkatesan, a known history-sheeter with a long criminal record including smuggling and attempted murder, had been hired to help recover money from a defaulting dealer. Instead, he allegedly joined the dealer and threatened the suppliers after taking a commission. Police sources indicate that Venkatesan attempted to use a photo of himself with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on social media to project influence.

**News Article:**

**BJP Functionary Arrested in Chennai on Cheating and Extortion Charges**

CHENNAI, INDIA – June 14, 2025 – Avadi City Police have arrested K.R. Venkatesan, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary from Padiyanallur, on charges of cheating and threatening consumer durable suppliers. Venkatesan, 58, also known as ‘Milagaipodi’ Venkatesan, is identified as a functionary of the BJP OBC Morcha.

Police reports reveal a lengthy criminal history for Venkatesan, including a 2015 arrest by Andhra Pradesh police for red sandalwood smuggling and over 50 pending criminal cases. He was also previously detained under the Goondas Act.

According to police sources, two consumer durable suppliers approached Venkatesan seeking assistance in recovering payments from a defaulting dealer. Venkatesan allegedly accepted a commission from the suppliers, but then sided with the dealer and threatened the individuals, leading to his arrest on Friday.

Venkatesan reportedly attempted to leverage a recent photograph of himself with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on social media, tagging police officers to project an image of influence. The police have stated that this attempt was unsuccessful. Venkatesan is currently remanded in custody as the investigation continues.

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