Madras High Court grants relief to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji, brother in horse-trading case lodged by TVK MLA

The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA and former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother RV Ashok Kumar in the ₹35 crore horse-trading case involving a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA [Senthil Balaji Vs State].

Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan granted the relief subject to conditions. The Court directed Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear before the investigating officer daily until further orders and cooperate with the investigation.

The case stemmed from a complaint by Uthangarai MLA N Elaiyaraja, who belongs to the TVK. He alleged that he was contacted over phone by a person named Thirunavukkarassu and told that a major political party would move a resolution in the assembly to topple Chief Minister Vijay's government.

According to the complaint, Elaiyaraja was asked to vote in favour of the resolution. He alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore for the same and was threatened with dire consequences if he did not act in a particular manner.

The police later claimed that Elaiyaraja had been contacted at the behest of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. Three persons were arrested in connection with the case on July 1.

Appearing for Balaji, Senior Advocate N R Elango argued that the complaint was made two days after the alleged phone call. He submitted that there was no recording of the call and that the prosecution was relying only on call detail records.

Elango further argued that the allegations against Balaji were based on presumptions, including the allegation that there was an attempt to topple the government. During the hearing, the Court noted that there was nothing against Balaji in the FIR and hence, sought details on what role was ascribed to him.

Elango submitted that the only material cited by the prosecution was that Balaji was in Erode on the same day. He also argued that the case was being used to prevent Balaji from discharging his duties, especially with the Karur by-election approaching.

Public Prosecutor John Sathyan, appearing for the State, opposed the bail pleas. He submitted that there was material to show conspiracy, including the booking of rooms in Chennai. He also said one of the accused had absconded to Singapore and had remotely deleted footage, which the prosecution was trying to retrieve.

The State also alleged that hawala money appeared to be involved and that there was strong material to show the same.

The Court after hearing the arguments proceeded to grant relief to Balaji and Kumar.