DMK Liquor Minister V Senthil Balaji, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday morning (14 June 2023) following searches conducted at his premises in connection with a money laundering case. The ED took the DMK leader into custody for questioning after raiding his properties on Tuesday.
In the early hours of Wednesday, amid tight security, the ED brought Balaji to the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai for a medical examination, as he had complained of chest pain.
Outside the hospital, a scene of high drama unfolded as the DMK leader arrived. He was observed shedding tears of pain while lying inside a car, while his supporters gathered to protest against the ED’s actions.
According to Senthil Balaji’s lawyer and DMK leader NR Elango, who spoke to India Today, “Senthil Balaji was picked up by the ED and brought to Omandurar government hospital. It appears that he was not conscious when he was admitted to the hospital. This arrest is completely illegal and unconstitutional. We will challenge it through legal means.”
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji breaks down as ED officials took him into custody in connection with a money laundering case and brought him to Omandurar Government in Chennai for medical examination pic.twitter.com/aATSM9DQpu
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2023
Senthil Balaji’s arrest is bound to jitter the DMK as he is considered to be the most powerful man in the state handling the cash cow ministries of TASMAC and electricity. He is regarded as the financier of the ruling party and had a major role in DMK securing the Erode East bypolls through cash. and the money bank of the ruling party.
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