Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai, Oct 19: The Madras High Court, on Thursday, rejected the bail plea based on health reasons filed by Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, who is currently in judicial custody. He is facing charges in a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-job scam investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
The Madras High Court on Monday scheduled its decisions regarding the bail plea for today after hearing the full arguments from Senthil Balaji and ED.
Balaji argued in his appeal that he needed regular physical therapy due to his medical condition. Additionally, his attorneys argued that he had a medical diagnosis of chronic lacunar stroke symptoms.
The ED, however, objected to the bail, arguing that the prisoner does not have a medical condition that cannot be handled in the prison hospital and that the grant of bail may be justified in the event that the inmate had an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Additionally, ED contended in court that there is a significant likelihood that he may tamper with evidence and manipulate witnesses if he is granted bail.
Balaji was arrested by ED on June 14. The Cash-for-Jobs scam, according to ED, took place when he served as the Transport Minister under the previous AIADMK government.
Balaji was brought to a government hospital in Chennai after he reported having chest pains following his arrest on June 14.
On June 15, the Madras High Court granted him permission to be transferred to any private hospital of his choosing. He was subsequently brought from the Multi Super Speciality Hospital run by the Tamil Nadu government to Kauvery Hospital, which is located in Alwarpet.
A bypass surgery had been suggested by doctors who were treating him. Balaji was taken immediately from the hospital to prison upon his release, as his second remand was only valid until July 19.
Ashok Kumar, Balaji’s brother, is also an accused in the case but has been absconding.
