ED Raids Multiple Locations Linked To Minister Senthil Balaji In Karur

The search operation at this site is being conducted under heavy security, with Central Security Guards and vehicles bearing registration numbers from Kerala and Telangana present at the scene.

Simultaneously, ED officials are searching the residence of MCS Shankar on Karur’s 80 Feet Road.

Source : Website

The officials from Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at three locations in Karur on Thursday. The raids targeted the residences of individuals linked to Minister V Senthilbalaji.

One of the key locations under scrutiny is the house of Karthik, the owner of Shakti Mess in Karur’s Kodai Nagar. The search operation at this site is being conducted under heavy security, with Central Security Guards and vehicles bearing registration numbers from Kerala and Telangana present at the scene.

Simultaneously, ED officials are searching the residence of MCS Shankar on Karur’s 80 Feet Road.

Additionally, sources indicate that the officials have also reached the house of Kongu Mess owner Mani in the Rayanur area, where another raid is underway.

Searches were carried out at approximately 25 locations across the state, including Chennai, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and several other cities.

The operation targeted TASMAC offices, its employees, corporate offices of distilleries, manufacturing plants, and individuals described as "key associates" connected to Balaji, according to sources of PTI. However, no premises belonging to the minister were included in the searches.

Balaji, who serves as the electricity minister, also oversees TASMAC, which holds exclusive control over liquor sales in the state. The agency is reportedly examining liquor sale transactions and the involvement of alleged intermediaries associated with TASMAC.

Earlier, the ED has been investigating Balaji, a DMK leader, as part of an earlier money laundering probe linked to the 'cash-for-jobs scam' in the state transport department. Balaji was previously arrested by the ED in connection with this case and is currently out on bail.

After securing bail from the Supreme Court on September 26 last year in a money-laundering case, Balaji was reinstated as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise on September 29. He reclaimed the portfolio he previously held from May 2021 to June 2023.