The Madras High Court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail petition filed by former DMK minister V. Senthil Balaji in connection with a TASMAC corruption case.
The case has been registered against Senthil Balaji and six others over alleged irregularities including liquor procurement and tender-related violations, running bars illegally, and selling liquor at inflated prices, leading to alleged corruption running into several crores.
During the hearing before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, counsel for Senthil Balaji argued that the First Information Report did not contain any specific complaint against him and that the allegations were vague. The defence also contended that any wrongdoing by TASMAC officials could not be linked to him.
The police opposed the plea, stating that the alleged irregularities could be as high as Rs 100 crore and that a detailed probe was required. With the investigation still at an early stage, the prosecution urged the court not to grant anticipatory bail.
After hearing both sides, the court questioned the basis for seeking anticipatory bail and observed that custodial interrogation was necessary, before dismissing the petition.
