Money Laundering Case: Chennai Court Extends Senthil Balaji Custody till Aug 28

A Chennai sessions court on Thursday extended former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s remand until August 28.

Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14, 2023, in a money laundering case.

Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom Senthil Balaji was produced via video conferencing from the Central Puzhal Prison, also extended his judicial custody until August 28.

During the hearing, defense counsel Gouthaman, representing Senthil Balaji, cross-examined Harish Kumar (Listed Witness-1), an official of City Union Bank and former Karur branch manager.

The examination focused on the transactions involving Senthil Balaji, his wife Meghala, and his brother Ashok Kumar.

As the cross-examination remained incomplete, the judge has scheduled the continuation of the hearing for August 28.

Previously, on August 16, Special Public Prosecutor N Ramesh, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), conducted an examination of Harish Kumar.

On August 8, PSJ Alli issued summons to three witnesses for examination in the case, and all three were present on August 16.

In total, the prosecution has listed 22 witnesses in this case.

Balaji was arrested by the ED in connection with a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister (2011-15) under the AIADMK regime. He subsequently joined the DMK.