On June 12, in connection with a money laundering investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at places linked to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) politician V Senthil Balaji and a few other people. He is currently Tamil Nadu’s Electricity Minister and also holds the Prohibition and Excise portfolio. Last month, Income Tax officials searched the premises related to the DMK’s Minister.
According to official sources, the raids were conducted at places linked to the DMK minister and his brother Ashok. Balaji is the local strongman of the Karur district. The searches were conducted in his hometown Karur and the state capital Chennai. He stated when the officials came for the search, he was unaware of what they were looking for, but he pledged to offer full cooperation in the investigation.
Last month, the Supreme Court gave permission to police and ED to investigate Balaji, who is allegedly involved in the cash-for-jobs scam. According to the sources, the searches are being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
While responding to the questions related to the ED raids, Balaji stated that he is “ready to extend full cooperation” to the investigating agency. He stated when he was out for a morning walk, he learned about the raid at his premises and took a taxi back home,
Balaji told reporters not long after the officials began their searches, “With what intention they have come, what are they looking for, we will see. Let it get over”.
Balaji promised full cooperation to the relevant authorities, whether it be the IT or ED. He added that officials will give whatever explanation is required based on documentation.
Whether it be the IT or ED, Balaji promised complete cooperation for the relevant authorities, adding that any explanations needed by officials based on documents would be given.
Last month on May 26, Income Tax officials conducted searches at the places linked to the Minister in various cities, including Karur and Coimbatore. As per sources, the raids were done in around 40 locations at residences and offices of various Government contractors who have alleged links with State Minister Senthil Balaji.
During the IT raid in Karur, the Balaji’s supporters misbehaved with the officials. They allegedly damaged a car used by income tax officials. Even cases were filed against the DMK cadres for obstructing an officer from performing his duty and damaging property. Balaji denied any wrongdoings on his part.
Even Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief K Annamalai on April 14 made public a long list of assets worth Rs 1.34 lakh crore, claiming these are owned by key DMK leaders, which included V Senthil Balaji. Apart from Balaji, the list included Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Ministers like Durai Murugan, EV Velu, K Ponmudy, and former Union Minister S Jagathrakshakan.
Annamalai alleged that the Chief Minister MK Stalin was paid a bribe of two hundred crore rupees for favouring a company to secure the contract for Chennai Metro Rail ahead of the 2011 assembly elections when DMK was in power. He added, “The payments were paid through shell companies,” he alleged.
He stated, “I am going to give it (the evidence) to CBI. In 2011, the election funding has come. A complaint will be filed that an investigation should be conducted.” He further alleged that DMK is becoming a money laundering company and that he will expose all the DMK leaders involved in corruption.
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