ED opposes bail plea of Tamil Nadu Minister Senthilbalaji

ED opposes TN Minister V Senthilbalaji's bail plea, citing influence & threat to witnesses. ED seeks trial to prove charges with evidence.

The ED on Monday opposed Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthilbalaji's bail plea, contending that a perusal of his petition shows it does not require any consideration for extending him the relief.

The petitioner was very influential and powerful and if granted bail, could influence the investigation or threaten the witnesses, it said.

Rather, the consideration of the court was required to commence the trial by summoning the list of witness of the prosecution to get along with the trial and prove the charge for which there are substantial evidence, the Enforcement Directorate told a city court.

Karthik Dasari, Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement, and the investigation officer of the present case, stated the above in his counter affidavit filed in response to the petition filed by Senthilbalaji, seeking bail in a money laundering case following his June 2023 arrest.

Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom the counter affidavit was filed, posted to January 9, further hearing of the case.

The ED said Sentilbalaji continues to be a sitting Minister in the Government of Tamil Nadu without portfolio and enjoying the privileges of a Minister as on date of filing of this bail petition. That being so, when the copy of the prosecution complaint has been served on the accused he has come to know of the identities of all the witnesses who have tendered statement against him.