Chennai: In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested today by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. The minister broke down in tears in front of the camera as he was being taken to the hospital after his arrest.
This arrest comes after the ED conducted raids at his premises and questioned him regarding allegations dating back to his tenure as the transport minister in the AIADMK-led government from 2011 to 2015, prior to his switch to the DMK. The Supreme Court had earlier granted permission for a police and ED investigation into an alleged cash-for-jobs scam involving Balaji.
However, during the course of the raid and questioning, Balaji experienced discomfort in his chest and was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a government hospital. The situation outside the hospital escalated into high drama with DMK leader P K Sekar Babu alleging that Balaji exhibited signs of being ‘tortured.’ The hospital visit witnessed the presence of Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, M. Subramanian, and E V Velu, while Minister Sekar Babu informed the media that Senthil Balaji was unconscious and under ICU observation. DMK Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate N R Elango were also present.
To ensure the safety of the situation, a team from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the Omandurar Government Medical College in Chennai, where Senthil Balaji was taken for a medical examination. Additionally, heightened security measures have been implemented near the Karur bus stand.
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