The Madras High Court has granted conditional anticipatory bail to former minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in a case linked to alleged “horse-trading” involving a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA.
The case stems from a complaint by Uthangarai (Krishnagiri district) TVK MLA Ilaiyaraja, who alleged that he received phone calls attempting to bargain with him to vote against the Speaker. Based on the complaint, Triplicane police registered a case and arrested eight people, including YouTuber Thirunavukkarasu from Arumbakkam, Naresh from Tiruchy and Thyagarajan from Medavakkam.
Police had issued summons to Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear for inquiry, but they did not attend. A lookout notice was also issued to prevent them from leaving the country. They subsequently moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail, and the petition came up before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel argued that the complaint was based on assumptions, that the alleged phone conversations were not recorded, and that no money transfer had taken place. The prosecution contended that there were strong materials indicating a conspiracy, including claims that meetings were held at a private hotel in Guindy on June 25, 26 and 27, and cited a statement from an arrested accused alleging large sums were discussed.
After hearing both sides, the judge granted anticipatory bail with conditions. The court directed Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar to appear before the investigating officer at Triplicane in Chennai every morning and evening to sign, and to fully cooperate with the probe until further orders.
