The Madras High Court has dismissed former DMK minister V. Senthil Balaji’s petition seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered by the Tamil Nadu Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) wing over alleged irregularities linked to TASMAC.
DVAC has booked seven persons, including Senthil Balaji, former TASMAC managing director S. Visagan, former regional managers Ramadurai Murugan and Panneerselvam, Senthil Balaji’s close associate Ratheesh Raj, his former personal assistant Bhaskar, and a person identified as S. Karthik from Karur. The FIR alleges offences such as irregularities in liquor procurement and tenders, illegal bar operations and sale of liquor at higher prices, involving alleged corruption of several crores.
In court, Senthil Balaji argued that the FIR did not specify which tender was manipulated or the amount allegedly misappropriated, and claimed the case was filed out of animosity. He also said key documents were with TASMAC and that he was willing to cooperate with the probe, making arrest unnecessary.
Opposing the plea, the prosecution said the alleged irregularities could be up to Rs 100 crore and that a detailed investigation was required. Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, after hearing both sides, said the records indicated prima facie abuse of authority and held that custodial interrogation was necessary, refusing anticipatory bail.
Separately, DVAC conducted searches at 45 locations linked to Senthil Balaji, Visagan, Ratheesh Raj and others, including liquor units, TASMAC district offices, bottle companies and transport firms. Police said they plan to issue summons to the seven accused to appear in person based on documents seized during the searches.
