Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji Shifted From Private Hospital To Prison In Chennai

Senthil Balaji was arrested last month by Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with a cash-for-job case.

Senthil Balaji was arrested last month by Enforcement Directorate

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case, was shifted to the Puzhal Central Prison on Monday from a private hospital where he underwent heart surgery, reported news agency PTI.

Senthil Balaji was arrested last month by ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with a cash-for-job case.

According to the police, the minister has been accorded 'A' class facilities in prison. Police stated that stipulated amenities would be made available to him in compliance with the norms.

Following his arrest, he was hospitalised. Later, he underwent coronary bypass surgery at a private hospital. Today, he was taken in a government '108 ambulance' from the hospital to the Puzhal prison amid police security. 

The minister was arrested last month and remanded by a court in judicial custody till July 26.

On July 4, in the habeas corpus petition filed by Minister Senthil Balaji's wife Megala, Madras High Court gave a split verdict. Justice Nisha Banu and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy gave the split verdict and referred the case to a larger bench. 

Justice Nisha Banu said that Senthil Balaji's arrest was unconstitutional. On the other hand, Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy said, Senthil Balaji must be jailed after his discharge from the hospital. 

Earlier, in the petition, Minister's wife claimed that his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate was illegal.

On June 14, Senthil Balaji was arrested in connection with a cash-for jobs-scam when he was the Transport Minister in the earlier AIADMK regime. 

Amid the questioning by ED, Balaji reportedly complained of chest pain and he was taken to Omandurar Government Hospital. After doctors found that he needed immediate medical intervention and bypass surgery, he was shifted to Kavery Hospital where he underwent a bypass surgery.

The arrest of Senthil Balaji also intensified the tussle between Tamil Nadu government and Governor RN Ravi. Senthil Balaji was removed from the cabinet by Governor Ravi, notwithstanding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin's demand for his continuance as a minister without portfolio. Later, Ravi put the order on hold.