Chennai: In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) early Wednesday morning in connection with a money-laundering case. The arrest followed an exhaustive 18-hour questioning session at Balaji’s residence in Chennai, according to sources cited by The Hindu.
At approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Balaji was escorted in a car for a medical examination at the Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital in Chennai. A convoy of three vehicles, carrying crucial documents, followed them closely.
In the wake of these events, Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, M. Subramanian, and E.V. Velu paid a visit to the hospital to gather updates. Meanwhile, Minister Sekar Babu stated that Balaji was currently unconscious and under observation in the ICU. Expressing concern, N.R. Elango, a DMK Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate, claimed that the ED officials failed to notify family members and associates about Balaji’s arrest.
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To ensure public safety and maintain order, a team from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the Omandurar Government Medical College, where Balaji underwent a medical examination. Additionally, heightened security measures have been implemented near the Karur bus stand.
Look at the drama of Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil when he was taken into custody by ED officials in connection with a money laundering case
Drama & corruption are integral part of DMK! pic.twitter.com/yanZpgaZeG
— Mahesh Vikram Hegde 🇮🇳 (@mvmeet) June 14, 2023
This ED operation followed extensive searches conducted on Tuesday at various locations connected to Balaji in Chennai, Karur, and Erode as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering. The probe stems from allegations of a cash-for-jobs scam against the influential DMK leader, which had prompted the Supreme Court to authorize a police and ED inquiry earlier this year.
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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and DMK President, as well as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, criticized the arrest as an “intimidation tactic” employed by the Narendra Modi-led central government.
#WATCH | Karur, Tamil Nadu: Heavy security deployment near Karur bus stand after ED has taken Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji into custody pic.twitter.com/M3VL8yb7U9
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023
“The Union government’s actions are driven by vengeance. They are targeting states with non-BJP governments, such as West Bengal, Delhi, and now Tamil Nadu,” expressed Tamil Nadu Minister Ponmudi, alleging political motives behind the arrest.
Last month, the Income Tax department had also conducted searches on individuals closely associated with Balaji in the state.
Balaji, a senior DMK leader hailing from Karur, holds the additional portfolios of Prohibition and Excise.
