The Principal Sessions Court here on Friday dismissed a bail petition filed by Minister V. Senthilbalaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and lodged in prison in connection with a money laundering case.
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On June 14, 2023, he was arrested by the ED for an alleged offence of money-laundering and remanded in judicial custody on the same day, though he was hospitalised on a complaint of chest pain. Later he underwent a bypass surgery and was subsequently lodged in the Puzhal Central Prison. In August 2023, the Central agency filed a charge sheet against him. The Principal Session Court is set to frame charges against him on January 22. Meanwhile, Mr. Senthilbalaji had filed a petition seeking to release him on bail.
Dismissing the bail petition, the Principal Sessions Judge S. Alli said: “The court does not find any change of circumstances between the date of dismissal of the earlier application and filing of this application for reconsideration.”
Also read: On the arrest of Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji and its aftermath
The judge pointed out that the ED produced sufficient materials to establish a prima facie case against the petitioner (Mr. Senthilbalaji) and taking into account the factors, such as the possibility of influencing witnesses and absconding of co-accused, the court is of the considered opinion that the accused would not be released on bail at this stage.