The Madras High Court stated that there is enough evidence to support money laundering accusations against former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji.
 |
| Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji |
On Wednesday, the court dismissed Senthil Balaji's bail application in the money laundering case, announcing sufficient evidence that establishes allegations against him. The judge disagreed with the claim that because Balaji resigned from his ministerial position, there is no risk that he will tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. This is Balaji's second bail application to be denied. His initial bail application was denied by the Chennai Sessions Court in September.
Balaji resigned on February 12, and Chief Minister MK Stalin transmitted it to the Governor the same night. The Governor confirmed it on February 13, The High Court was slated to hear his bail request on February 14. As Justice Venkatesh said, "The fact remains that the petitioner resigned from the ministerial post just a day before the hearing of this bail petition without any portfolio." Even though the petitioner resigned from his ministerial position, he remains an MLA from the same party that governs Tamil Nadu, therefore the court considers his influence is undeniable.
The government has a considerable impact. Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002, in a case that dates back to 2014, when he was Transport Minister in the AIADMK government. The allegation involves corruption for job appointments in several posts in the Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation (CMTC). The court stated, "The past conduct also has a significant impact on this case." The ED reported that the violation generated ₹67.74 crores.
The court went on to say, "In such a situation, witnesses, mostly officials associated with CMTC and potential job seekers who paid money, will be influenced/tampered with." Since his arrest, he has been hospitalized for chest problems and eventually had heart surgery at a private hospital. He was released on July 17 and has remained in Puzhal Central Jail since then. Instead of mentioning his detention, Chief Minister Stalin cited his poor health and shifted his ministries (electricity, excise duty, and prohibition) to different departments.
