Chennai, Aug 6:
The Madras High Court has relaxed the bail conditions imposed on Coimbatore South MLA Senthil Balaji and his brother R.V. Ashok Kumar in connection with the alleged ₹35 crore MLA poaching case. The court observed that the earlier restrictions were no longer necessary in light of the stay on the investigation.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan passed the order, noting that a division bench of the High Court had already stayed the probe into the case. In view of this development, the judge held that the requirement for the accused to appear daily before the police was not warranted. However, the court clarified that both individuals must cooperate with authorities and can be summoned for questioning whenever required.
Earlier, on July 8, the High Court had granted anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji and his brother, directing them to appear before the Inspector of Police at Triplicane Police Station twice a day and assist with the investigation. The latest order removes this daily appearance condition, offering relief to the petitioners.
The case stems from a complaint filed on June 26 by TVK functionary N. Elaiyaraja, who alleged that he was contacted by an intermediary and offered ₹35 crore to influence his vote in the Assembly, particularly in relation to a resolution against the Speaker. He also claimed that he was threatened with serious consequences if he refused to comply.
Following the complaint, police arrested three individuals on July 1. Investigators later alleged that the approach to the complainant was made at the behest of Senthil Balaji and his brother. However, during the bail proceedings, Balaji argued that his name did not appear in the original FIR and that he had been implicated later without direct evidence linking him to the alleged offence.
The prosecution, on the other hand, contended that there was substantial material indicating a conspiracy, including the booking of rooms in Chennai and the alleged use of hawala money. It maintained that evidence existed to connect the accused to the case.
While granting anticipatory bail earlier, the court had observed that custodial interrogation was not necessary. With the investigation now stayed, the court found it appropriate to relax the bail conditions, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case continues to draw attention due to its political implications and the serious nature of the allegations, even as legal proceedings remain subject to further judicial scrutiny.