Chennai, Aug 22:
Former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) office at Alandur in Chennai on Saturday for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the state-run TASMAC.
The DVAC had earlier conducted searches at 41 locations across Tamil Nadu based on complaints of alleged irregularities in TASMAC operations. The searches covered premises linked to Senthil Balaji, a former TASMAC managing director and senior regional officials.
Officials reportedly seized several documents considered crucial to the investigation and have since been examining them in detail.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities in contracts for transporting liquor for TASMAC and accusations that an additional Rs 10 was collected on each liquor bottle. The allegations form part of the FIR registered by the DVAC.
A few persons have already been arrested in connection with the case and questioned, while another person, identified as Radesh, is said to be absconding. A lookout notice has reportedly been issued to trace him.
Senthil Balaji had earlier secured anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court, which directed him to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the DVAC whenever summoned.
In accordance with the summons, he appeared at the Alandur office on Saturday morning. With the Tamil Nadu Assembly not sitting on Saturday, the summons had been issued asking him to appear before investigators on the day.
Based on documents seized during the searches and other material gathered during the probe, DVAC officials are said to be questioning Senthil Balaji on more than 100 points relating to the alleged irregularities.
Investigators are expected to decide on the next course of action based on his responses and further evidence gathered in the case.