HC refuses anticipatory bail to ex-Tamil Nadu minister Balaji in corruption case

The Madras high court refused anticipatory bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in a corruption case registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

The DVAC alleged that Balaji and others caused a loss of over ₹17 crore to the public exchequer through tender manipulation and cartelisation in TASMAC bar and transport contracts.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government argued the loss could exceed ₹100 crore, and custodial interrogation was needed to uncover the full extent of irregularities.

The DVAC searched 41 locations and named six co-accused, including former TASMAC managing director S Visakan and former ministerial aide Bhaskar.

The court dismissed Balaji's petition seeking protection from arrest, citing the need for custodial interrogation.