Former minister V Senthilbalaji’s legal troubles continue as a sessions court in Chennai has extended his judicial custody in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case linked to an alleged job racket. The decision to prolong Senthilbalaji’s custody was made during a hearing before the third additional judge, DV Aanand, conducted via video conference from Puzhal central jail, where Senthilbalaji is currently held.Senthilbalaji’s judicial custody, which was set to conclude on April 4, has now been extended until April 15, as per the court’s ruling. The former minister was arrested under the PMLA by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 at his residence in Chennai, following allegations of involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK regime.
Recently, the Madras High Court dismissed Senthilbalaji’s bail plea as lacking merit and held that he is an influential person. If bail is granted in favor of Senthilbalaji, he may tamper with the witnesses. Further, the HC also directed the principal sessions court to complete the trial within three months by conducting it on a day-to-day basis.
The ED initiated the PMLA case against Senthilbalaji as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the job recruitment process. Upon his arrest, Senthilbalaji was promptly subjected to judicial custody by the principal sessions judge on the same day, marking the beginning of his legal battle in the case.