Chennai, July 30: The Madras High Court has denied the anticipatory bail plea of former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK MLA V. Senthil Balaji. This case is linked to allegations of large-scale corruption involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) as investigated by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).
While rejecting the plea, Justice G.K. Ilanthirayan emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation given the serious nature of the allegations. The court noted claims from the prosecution that the accused had allegedly misused their official positions, conspired criminally, and caused significant financial loss to the state treasury.
This case stems from an FIR filed by the DVAC on July 28 against Balaji and several others. The FIR alleges irregularities in TASMAC operations between 2021 and 2025, during Balaji’s tenure as the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise.
The FIR invokes various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Indian Evidence Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Charges include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, fraud, manipulation of records, and corruption.
According to the prosecution, Balaji conspired with six others to manipulate government processes and misuse public funds. The group includes private individuals, distilleries, brewery companies, transport contractors, bottling firms, and unidentified TASMAC officials.
Investigators allege that this conspiracy facilitated money laundering and inflicted substantial losses on the state.
In seeking bail before his arrest, Balaji denied all allegations, arguing that the FIR is vague and based on general accusations without specific tenders, contracts, or transactions linking him to the alleged crimes. He also claimed that the case is politically motivated, stemming from animosity following the Karur stampede incident.
Senior Advocate N.R. Ilango, representing Balaji, argued that TASMAC operates as an independent corporation, and the minister has no role in awarding tenders or managing daily operations. He further stated that a previous search by the Enforcement Directorate at TASMAC offices has already been challenged in the Supreme Court, with proceedings still pending.
After considering arguments from both sides, the High Court concluded that the seriousness of the allegations and the need for thorough investigation outweigh the defenses presented. The court deemed custodial interrogation essential for uncovering the conspiracy and financial irregularities, leading to the rejection of Balaji’s anticipatory bail plea.
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