A special court in Chennai has directed former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthilbalaji and other accused in a job racket case to appear in person for the framing of charges. This comes after the Central Crime Branch (CCB), which is investigating the case, submitted the sanction granting permission to prosecute before the special court handling cases related to MPs and MLAs. The court acknowledged the submission and adjourned the matter to October 1, ordering the physical presence of all accused, including Senthilbalaji.The case dates back to 2015, when over 20 individuals lodged complaints with the CCB, accusing Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar of collecting money in exchange for jobs in the Transport Department. Senthilbalaji was serving as the Transport Minister in the AIADMK government during the alleged offense, which occurred between 2014 and 2015.
The investigation agency filed a charge sheet, detailing the allegations that the former minister promised government jobs in exchange for bribes. After conducting a thorough investigation, the agency sought further prosecution of Senthilbalaji and others involved in the case.
Initially, the Madras High Court discharged Senthilbalaji and the other accused, but the Supreme Court later overturned that ruling, instructing the CCB to continue its investigation and submit a final report. The recent court directive marks the next step in the legal proceedings, as the case moves towards formal charges.