CHENNAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search raids at the house of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s driver and others in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation.
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED on June 14 in relation to a money laundering case associated with the alleged cash-for-jobs scam within the state transport department. Currently, Senthil Balaji is in judicial custody at Puzhal central jail in Chennai. However, he maintains his position as a minister without portfolio in the Tamil Nadu government led by M K Stalin.
Previously, Senthil Balaji held the position of minister under MK Stalin’s administration.
On Saturday, the ED conducted searches at nine locations in Karur, Tamil Nadu, connected to Balaji, who is currently in custody for a case related to the 2015 cash-for-jobs scam that occurred during the AIADMK regime when he was the Transport Minister.
The ED stated that these fresh raids were prompted by “intelligence inputs” indicating that S T Saminathan, a “close associate” of Balaji, possessed documents and proceeds of crime related to the case and was attempting to conceal them.
During the search at Saminathan’s residence, the ED discovered CCTV footage showing his sister-in-law Shanthi handing over bags containing documents and valuables connected to the case to Senthil Balaji’s driver, Shiva. Subsequently, a search was conducted at Shiva’s house, resulting in the recovery of unaccounted valuables worth over Rs 16 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 22 lakh, as reported by the ED.
The ED informed the Supreme Court that Senthil was attempting to use his influence to destroy evidence.
Balaji’s arrest by the ED triggered a significant political controversy in Tamil Nadu. Governor R N Ravi initially “dismissed” him from the Council of Ministers, only to suspend his decision within a few hours.
Prior to his arrest, Senthil Balaji held the position of the Minister of Electricity in the government led by Stalin.
The Governor’s action followed Stalin’s refusal to remove Balaji from the cabinet. Opposing party leaders and BJP leaders highlighted that Senthil Balaji’s continued presence in the cabinet could impact the ongoing investigation.
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