LI Network
Published on: 14 June 2023 at 12:55 IST
Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Money Laundering Case
V Senthil Balaji, a minister in Tamil Nadu, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following an extensive questioning session related to a money laundering case, as per sources familiar with the matter.
The ED officials conducted raids on properties associated with Balaji on Tuesday and interrogated him.
The case revolves around allegations during his tenure as the transport minister in the AIADMK-led government from 2011 to 2015, prior to his transition to the DMK. This action comes several months after the Supreme Court authorized police and ED investigations into an alleged cash-for-jobs scam involving Balaji.
Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji Admitted to ICU, Allegations of Torture Surface
Amidst widespread speculation regarding the custody of Minister V Senthil Balaji, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a government hospital in Chennai late Tuesday night after complaining of chest discomfort. The situation took a dramatic turn outside the hospital, with the DMK leader displaying signs of pain. State Minister P K Sekar Babu asserted that there were “symptoms” indicating that Balaji had been subjected to “torture.”
According to Babu, Balaji was in an unconscious state and unresponsive when called by his name. He is currently under observation, with doctors noting swelling near his ear and variations in his electrocardiogram (ECG), which Babu claimed were signs of torture.
Television footage depicted Balaji in anguish, crying out in pain while lying in a car, while his supporters gathered to protest against the actions of the ED. In response to the situation, a team from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed at the Omandurar Government Medical College hours after his admission to the ICU.
