HC rejects DMK's Senthil Balaji's anticipatory bail plea in graft case; he moves SC
The Madras High Court on Tuesday rejected former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji's anticipatory bail plea in the TASMAC corruption case, observing that the allegations
The Madras High Court on Tuesday rejected former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji's anticipatory bail plea in the TASMAC corruption case, observing that the allegations warranted custodial interrogation. Balaji has challenged the order in the Supreme Court, where the matter is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday. The Madras High Court dismissed the plea, observing that the allegations involved causing a loss of more than Rs 17 crore to the public exchequer and that custodial interrogation was necessary for a proper investigation. Read Full Story During the hearing before the High Court, the Tamil Nadu government argued that the alleged loss of Rs 17 crore was only the "tip of the iceberg" and claimed that the actual loss to the state exchequer could be at least Rs 100 crore.
WHY DETAILED INVESTIGATION WAS REQUIRED? The government submitted that a detailed investigation, including custodial interrogation of Balaji, was required to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities. Public Prosecutor John Sathyan, appearing for the state, also contended that custodial interrogation was essential to investigate the alleged offences and identify the complete conspiracy behind the case. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) had registered an FIR against Balaji and six others over alleged irregularities in the functioning of TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailer. Besides Balaji, the FIR names IAS officer S Visakan, who headed TASMAC at the time, Rama Durai Murugan, R Panneer Selvam, both associated with the corporation, and Bhaskar, who served as Balaji's personal assistant during his tenure as minister.
The agency has also named Rathesh Raj Shamugavel, who is considered close to Balaji and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and S. Karthik in the case. WHAT IS IN THE FIR? According to the FIR, TASMAC regional managers allegedly misused demand drafts submitted by one bidder to benefit other bidders by awarding them transport contracts. The agency has further alleged that certain distilleries generated unaccounted cash through bogus invoices and used the funds to bribe TASMAC officials in exchange for supply orders. The High Court held that the nature and seriousness of the allegations warranted custodial interrogation and declined to grant anticipatory bail.
With the High Court refusing relief, Balaji has now moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest. The apex court is expected to hear his plea on Wednesday. Ends
The BriefWire