Police have said that numerous complaints are being received against Jay Balaji, former assistant to Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan, alleging that he cheated members of the public by collecting money in the name of a real estate business. Preliminary findings in the investigation indicate that the total fraud amount may exceed ₹150 crore.
Jay Balaji (42), a resident of Kalaignar Nagar in Madurai, had served as an assistant to the minister before being removed from the post about a year ago. He and his wife Kalavathi (42) have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody in multiple cheating cases.
The cases include allegations that the couple fraudulently acquired house plots and collected money from the public in instalments under the pretext of operating a real estate enterprise. Police said they suspect that several more individuals could be linked to the fraud and have therefore begun compiling a list of government officials and political figures who were in close contact with Jay Balaji for further inquiry.
According to Central Crime Branch (CCB) police, Jay Balaji had floated a real estate firm named “Marudham” in his own name and another firm called “Madhuram” in the name of a relative. Through these firms, he allegedly collected money from customers promising to sell house plots but failed to properly allot the plots to those who made payments.
Many victims have already lodged complaints with the Economic Offences Wing and District Crime Branch offices, while more complainants are continuing to come forward. Police said they plan to question these victims as part of the ongoing probe and reiterated that the fraud amount is believed to be more than ₹150 crore, with the possibility of additional accused emerging as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the list of allegations against Jay Balaji continues to expand, including claims that he misused the minister’s name and abused official influence in carrying out fraudulent activities involving government departments, members of the public, and businesspersons. Police said details of these alleged activities are continuing to surface.
As the scope of the case widens, senior police officials have directed the Central Crime Branch to take Jay Balaji and his wife into police custody for further interrogation in order to gather additional information. The process is being overseen by CCB Assistant Commissioner Vinodhini, and a petition is expected to be filed in court seeking permission for custodial interrogation.
Investigators have also begun summoning and questioning individuals who were closely associated with Jay Balaji during his tenure as the minister’s assistant, including government officials, acquaintances, and political contacts.
As part of this exercise, police summoned and questioned Dhanasekaran and Varun, who are currently serving as assistants to DMK Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan. The two were interrogated for more than an hour at the Crime Branch office in Viswanathapuram by a police team led by Assistant Commissioner Vinodhini.
During the questioning, investigators sought details regarding Jay Balaji’s activities while serving as the minister’s assistant, how long the two had known him, the government officials, politicians, and associates who were in close contact with him, who visited the minister’s office to meet him, and the nature of tasks he carried out on behalf of the minister. Their statements were recorded, and they were allowed to leave after submitting written undertakings that they would appear for further inquiry whenever required.
Police sources said preliminary information suggests that Jay Balaji may have amassed more than ₹150 crore through misuse of influence and wrongful means while working as the minister’s assistant, and that documentary evidence is being collected to substantiate these findings.
Investigators are also examining whether the alleged proceeds were generated through real estate firms and other channels. Police confirmed that the questioning of the minister’s current assistants, Dhanasekaran, attached to the minister’s office, and Varun, attached to the minister’s residence, has yielded certain information relating to Jay Balaji and his wife. The two may be included as witnesses in the case.
Police further indicated that, similar to the municipal property tax irregularities case, the fraud may not be confined to Jay Balaji and his wife alone and could extend to multiple individuals in a chain. Officials added that the investigation is progressing swiftly, with instructions having been issued by both the Tamil Nadu government and Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan to probe the matter thoroughly and take action against all those found involved.
Source: Hindu Tamil
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
