The Madras High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji who was arrested in a cash-for-job money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice G Jayachandran dismissed Senthil Balaji’s bail petition citing concerns that the petitioner’s brother was absconding, and Balaji, as a minister without a portfolio, might tamper with witnesses, reports PTI.
Also Read:Breaking News LIVE: No reprieve for Senthil Balaji, Madras HC rejects bail plea
Balaji had claimed in his petition that he required continuous physiotherapy due to health issues. His lawyers stated that he was medically confirmed to be suffering from chronic lacunar stroke symptoms, as per ANI.
The ED opposed the bail plea, arguing that his health condition could be treated in the prison hospital. They further contended that bail should be granted only in cases of severe health conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Also Read:Supreme Court dismisses pleas by Senthil Balaji, his wife against arrest in money-laundering case
The ED also raised concerns that his release could lead to evidence tampering and influencing witnesses.
The ED arrested Balaji in the wee hours of June 14. The arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation into a murky job racket scandal, dating back to Balaji’s term as transport minister under the 2011-16 AIADMK government.
Following his arrest, Balaji complained of chest pain and was initially treated in a government hospital in Chennai. The Madras High Court later allowed his transfer to a private hospital of his choice. Doctors recommended a bypass surgery. Balaji was returned to prison after his hospital discharge, as his remand period was valid until July 19.
Balaji’s brother, Ashok Kumar, is also implicated in the case and remains absconding.
(With ANI Inputs)