Former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s judicial custody extended until March 18 in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scandal. Balaji, associated with the DMK party, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14, 2023.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
CHENNAI: Today(13th March), The judicial custody of former State minister V Senthil Balaji has been extended until March 18 by a sessions court. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations of money laundering tied to cash-for-jobs scandal. Balaji, a prominent figure associated with the DMK party, was initially apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14, 2023.
The extension of remand was decreed by Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, who conducted the proceedings via video-conferencing due to Balaji being held at the Central Puzhal Prison. The judge has also scheduled March 18 as the date to deliberate on a petition by Balaji, which seeks his exoneration from the charges levied against him.
ALSO READ: Madras HC Closes Habeas Corpus Petition in Senthil Balaji’s Arrest
In the courtroom, senior counsel C Aryama Sundaram represented Balaji, stating:
“The judge also posted to that day, the hearing on a petition filed by Balaji, seeking his discharge him from the case.”
The Madras High Court has been drawn into the fray, issuing a notice to the Enforcement Directorate. This action follows a revision petition from Balaji, challenging a local court’s decision to dismiss his plea for deferring the ongoing trial. The high court’s division bench, led by Justice M S Ramesh and Sunder Mohan, has deferred the hearing of this petition until April 25. During this session, the court heard from senior counsels Mukul Rahotgi and S Prabakaran, who are advocating on behalf of Balaji.
ALSO READ: Madras High Court Denies Bail to V. Senthil Balaji in Money Laundering Case
The case against Balaji stems from his tenure as the Transport Minister under the previous AIADMK government, where he is alleged to have been involved in a cash-for-jobs scheme. This scandal has not only tarnished the reputation of the involved parties but also cast a shadow over the political landscape in Tamil Nadu.
