ED Raids 10 Locations in Tamil Nadu Associated With the Arrested Senthil Balaji’s Cash-for-Jobs Scam

In conjunction with the continuing money laundering probe against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 10 sites on Tuesday. These locations included the residences and offices of persons connected to the minister in Coimbatore, Karur, and Trichy. Balaji was detained by the Central Probe Agency on June 14 and is now being held at Puzhal Central Prison.

The minister was detained and questioned by the ED after he was involved in a job-for-cash fraud and money laundering while serving as a minister in the previous AIADMK administration. After the ED conducted searches at his official apartment and office in Chennai, he was taken into custody.

 

Balaji immediately complained of chest discomfort upon his arrest, and he was transferred to the Omandurar government hospital where it was determined that he had three coronary artery blockages and that surgery to remove the blocks would be preferable. This is when the high drama began.

 

The minister insisted on having the treatment done in a private hospital due to his health and requested approval from the Madras High Court. The operation for Balaji was carried out at Kaveri Hospital after a favorable decision from the High Court. Later, he was sent to Puzhal Central Prison’s medical wing.

 

S. Ramachandran’s home was raided by the ED

 

Raids are now taking place at the home of S Ramachandran, who has a sand mining contract in the state, while ED authorities have conducted simultaneous searches throughout Tamil Nadu in response to claims of widespread tax fraud in the selling of sand taken from riverbeds. Raids are also being conducted in Chennai’s Anna Nagar, Mylapore, and Teynampet neighborhoods.