In the early hours of Wednesday, Tamil Nadu‘s Electricity Minister, V. Senthil Balaji, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Chennai under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The arrest followed extensive raids conducted at his premises in Chennai, Karur, and his office at the Secretariat. This recent development comes two weeks after the income-tax department carried out an eight-day raid at over 40 locations across Tamil Nadu, which were linked to the minister and his supporters.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji Arrested in Alleged Job-for-Bribes Scam
V. Senthil Balaji, a prominent figure within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, hails from Karur and has been actively involved in politics since 1997, initially serving as a local body member. Balaji’s political journey reached new heights when he was elected as a representative for the Karur constituency in the 2006 assembly elections. Subsequently, he assumed the role of the state transport minister from 2011 to 2015 during the tenure of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government, led by the late J Jayalalithaa.
The alleged job-for-bribes case, which dates back to the period between 2011 and 2015, revolves around accusations of Balaji, then an AIADMK minister, accepting bribes from individuals seeking appointments in the state transport department. The Madras High Court took up the case after a complaint was filed in 2018 by a technical staff member in the Metro Transport Corporation (MTC). The complaint alleged that Balaji and other individuals had received kickbacks totaling approximately ₹4.25 crores, promising job placements at various levels within the MTC. Despite purportedly paying bribes, many candidates reportedly failed to secure the promised employment.
As a result of the allegations, three First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against Balaji, and subsequently, charge sheets were filed. In July 2021, the ED initiated an investigation and registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against Balaji and other individuals involved in the alleged scam.
The Supreme Court played a pivotal role in the progression of the case. In May, it overturned a 2022 Madras High Court order that dismissed the proceedings against Balaji and others involved in the suspected job recruitment scam. The apex court also nullified the High Court’s directive for a fresh probe, permitting the ED to continue its ongoing investigation. Additionally, the Supreme Court stated that the possibility of establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) could be explored at a later stage.
V. Senthil Balaji’s association with the AIADMK came to an end after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalitha in 2016. Subsequently, in December 2018, Balaji joined the ruling DMK party. In the April 2021 assembly elections, he triumphed in his constituency of Karur and was appointed as the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise in the MK Stalin-led government.
Sensational ED Operation Busts Senthil Balaji in High-Stakes Job-for-Cash Scam
The recent arrest of V. Senthil Balaji marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged job-for-bribes scam. The raids conducted by the ED and income-tax department highlight the concerted efforts to uncover the truth and hold those involved accountable. As the case progresses, it is anticipated that more revelations will shed light on the intricate details of the scandal, ultimately serving justice to the affected job aspirants and the wider public.
The arrest of Tamil Nadu’s Electricity Minister, V. Senthil Balaji, in connection with the alleged job-for-bribes scam has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state. The ED’s actions, including the raids and subsequent arrest, underscore the seriousness of the accusations and the government’s commitment to combating corruption.VV. Senthil Balaji’s political journey began modestly in 1997 when he started his career as a local body member.
Over the years, he steadily climbed the political ladder, gaining popularity and influence within the AIADMK party. His successful election to the Karur constituency in the 2006 assembly elections marked a significant milestone in his political career. Balaji’s rise to power reached its zenith when he assumed the role of the state transport minister from 2011 to 2015 under the leadership of the late J Jayalalithaa, who was highly regarded in Tamil Nadu politics.
V.Senthil Balaji’s political journey began modestly in 1997 when he started his career as a local body member. Over the years, he steadily climbed the political ladder, gaining popularity and influence within the AIADMK party. His successful election to the Karur constituency in the 2006 assembly elections marked a significant milestone in his political career. Balaji’s rise to power reached its zenith when he assumed the role of the state transport minister from 2011 to 2015 under the leadership of the late J Jayalalithaa, who was highly regarded in Tamil Nadu politics.
