Former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji has been remanded by the court until June 4th in connection with a money laundering case. The Principal Sessions Judge has instructed the verification of original bank records, which are linked to a cash-for-jobs scam that allegedly occurred during his tenure as Transport Minister.
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Chennai: Today, April 30: A session court in Chennai extended the remand of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji until June 4, in a money laundering case. The DMK leader was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14, 2023, in connection with an ongoing investigation into a cash-for-jobs scam that took place during his tenure as the Transport Minister in a previous AIADMK administration.
READ ALSO: Cash-for-Jobs Scam ||Former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s Remand Extended
Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, presiding over the case, extended Senthil Balaji’s judicial custody until June 4. Balaji was presented before the judge via video-conferencing from Central Puzhal Prison. The petition sought to defer the proceedings in the case until a bank produced the original counterfoils/ challans used for depositing funds into Balaji’s account and that of his wife.
In his plea, Balaji emphasized the importance of the court verifying the authenticity of these documents and requested that the bank be compelled to submit the original counterfoils. He argued that the production of these original foils and challans was essential in the interest of justice.
READ ALSO: DMK Leader V Senthil Balaji’s Remand Extended in Money Laundering Case Till March 21
Background
Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2034, 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.
Previously, the High Court had dismissed Balaji’s bail plea on October 19. Additionally, a local court had rejected his bail petitions three times.
Now, with the Supreme Court set to hear his bail plea, there is a possibility of a fresh investigation of the case. The notice issued to the ED indicates that the court is seeking a response from the agency regarding the bail application.
The money laundering case against Balaji and his bail plea have faced multiple rejections in lower courts.
A bail plea in a criminal case is a request made by the accused to be released from custody while awaiting trial. The court considers various factors, including the gravity of the charges, the likelihood of the accused influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and the accused’s past record, among other relevant factors, in determining whether to grant bail.
The court stated that it is expected that the ED will comply with the court’s directive and provide the necessary counter-affidavit. The court will then evaluate the arguments presented by both parties.
READ PREVIOUS REPORTS V SENTHIL BALAJI
