Today, On 3rd September, Tamil Nadu court extended the remand of former state minister Senthil Balaji. Balaji arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scam. The court’s decision prolongs his time in custody as investigations continue.
Chennai: A sessions court on Tuesday extended the remand of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji until September 5.
The DMK leader arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14, 2023, in connection with a money laundering case. Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, who presided over the hearing via video-conferencing from the Central Puzhal Prison, also extended Balaji’s judicial custody until September 5.
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During the hearing, Harish Kumar, a City Union Bank official and former manager of its Karur branch, was present as a witness for cross-examination. Defense counsel Gouthaman conducted the cross-examination, which remained incomplete, prompting the judge to adjourn further proceedings to September 5.
Balaji arrested by the ED in connection with a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam that allegedly took place during his tenure as transport minister (2011-2015) under the AIADMK government.
Balaji arrested by the ED in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam that took place during his tenure as the Transport Minister in a previous AIADMK government. The ED filed a 3,000-page charge sheet against Balaji on August 12 last year.
The money laundering case against Balaji and his bail plea have faced multiple rejections in lower courts.
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The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the high-profile nature of the accused but also due to the intricate legal arguments surrounding the PMLA and the concept of bail within it.
The allegations against Balaji originated from his time as the Transport Minister in the prior AIADMK administration, during which he accused of participating in a cash-for-jobs scheme. This controversy not only damaged the reputations of those implicated but also overshadowed the political environment in Tamil Nadu.
The legal proceedings involving Senthil Balaji highlights a larger problem of corruption within governmental positions, specifically concerning job appointments in the state’s transportation sector. Termed as the cash-for-jobs scam, it reportedly entails monetary transactions for securing job positions, indicating a grave offense that suggests deep-rooted systemic corruption.