The judicial custody of former minister V Senthilbalaji has been extended until Wednesday by a city sessions court in connection with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case linked to a job racket scandal.
Senthilbalaji, who was virtually produced before the third additional judge DV Aanand from Puzhal central jail, saw his judicial custody extended after it ended on March 11. The judge recorded his appearance and extended custody until March 13.
The former minister was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 at his residence in Chennai on charges of money laundering. The ED initiated the PMLA case against Senthilbalaji over alleged involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK regime.
Following his arrest, Senthilbalaji was remanded to judicial custody by the principal sessions judge on the same day. Subsequently, he underwent surgery for coronary artery blockage and was later transferred to Puzhal prison.
In a subsequent court appearance on August 12, the ED submitted a charge sheet consisting of approximately 200 pages along with 3000 pages of related documents.
Despite his legal team’s efforts, Senthilbalaji’s bail plea was dismissed by the High Court, citing concerns over his influence and the potential for witness tampering if bail were granted.