Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. (File image: @Senthilbalaji/Twitter)
Balaji was taken into custody on June 14 by the ED in relation to a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scandal during his tenure as the Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK administration.
The Madras High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, who had been apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case.
Justice G. Jayachandran declined the bail request of Senthil Balaji, citing concerns about the petitioner’s brother being in hiding and the fact that the petitioner held the position of a Minister without portfolio, potentially leading to witness tampering.
Balaji was taken into custody on June 14 by the ED in relation to a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scandal during his tenure as the Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK administration.
Senior counsel NR Elango represented Balaji, while Additional Solicitor General Sundaresan represented the ED. Counsel Elango pointed out that despite undergoing bypass surgery, Balaji had not fully recovered.
He sought treatment at Stanley Hospital on October 9, emphasizing the need for his release on bail to continue treatment. Elango presented the medical report from Stanley Hospital, where doctors indicated symptoms of a potential recurrence. He suggested the court appoint an independent doctor to assess Balaji’s health condition.