After 471 days in prison, former Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Senthil Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his support for Balaji, accusing the Enforcement Directorate of targeting political opponents. DMK leader TKS Elangovan criticized the BJP government for misusing their power in handling cases involving their own party members. The ruling DMK party has stood by Balaji, claiming that the case against him is a politically-motivated effort to weaken the party.
Senthil Balaji Released on Bail After 471 Days in Prison
Former Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Senthil Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 8, 2023, after spending 471 days in prison. Balaji was arrested in November 2021 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case.
Background of the Case
The ED alleged that Balaji had laundered over 100 crores (approximately $15 million) through various shell companies. The agency claimed that the money was derived from illegal activities, including bribes and kickbacks.
Balaji has denied the charges and claimed that he is a victim of political vendetta. He has alleged that the BJP-led central government is targeting him because he is a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is in power in Tamil Nadu.
Support from DMK
The DMK has stood by Balaji, claiming that the case against him is politically motivated. Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his support for Balaji and accused the ED of targeting political opponents.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan has criticized the BJP government for misusing its power in handling cases involving their own party members. He has alleged that the government is using central agencies like the ED to silence its critics.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why was Senthil Balaji arrested?
Balaji was arrested by the ED in November 2021 in connection with a money laundering case. The ED alleged that he had laundered over 100 crores through various shell companies.
2. Has Balaji been found guilty of the charges against him?
Balaji has not been found guilty of any charges. The case is still in the trial stage.
3. Why has Balaji been granted bail?
Balaji has been granted bail by the Supreme Court on the grounds that the ED has not provided sufficient evidence to support the charges against him.
4. What is the DMK's stance on the case?
The DMK has claimed that the case against Balaji is politically motivated and that he is a victim of political vendetta.
5. What are the implications of Balaji's release on bail?
Balaji's release on bail is likely to give a boost to the DMK in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. It may also embolden other political leaders who have been targeted by the ED.
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