A Chennai Sessions Court on Thursday stated that charges would be framed against Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji on January 22, 2024.
Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last year in connection with a money laundering case, appeared before Principal Sessions Judge S Alli through video-conferencing from the Central Prison. The judge extended his remand until January 22 and directed the framing of charges.
In her order, Judge Alli stated, “Accused produced through video conference. Heard the Special PP under section 226 Cr.P.C. Charge framing by January 22, 2024. Petition filed under section 91 (2) Cr.P.C. Check and call by then. Remand extended till then. Accused to be produced in person.”
During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor N Ramesh, representing the prosecution, opened the case under section 226 Cr.P.C. He outlined the charges against Balaji and explained the evidence that would be presented to prove his guilt, involving the examination of 21 witnesses and 77 documents presented in the charge sheet.
Following this, the judge passed the above interim order and posted to January 22, further hearing of the case. The minister was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged irregularities in the selection of bus conductors, drivers, and junior engineers within the Tamil Nadu Transport Department. These appointments occurred during Balaji’s tenure as the Transport Minister in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2015.
Following his arrest, Balaji underwent a bypass surgery at a private hospital. Subsequently, the ED took him into custody for interrogation, and he was placed in judicial custody with periodic extensions. In August, the ED filed a 3000-page chargesheet against Balaji. Despite his bail petitions being dismissed twice by the Principal Sessions Judge, the city court will pronounce orders on his third bail petition on Friday.
