The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday night took V. Senthilbalaji, jailed Tamil Nadu Minister without portfolio, in its custody in an alleged money laundering case after the Supreme Court earlier in the day allowed the agency to interrogate him for five days.
Mr. Senthilbalaji, who was arrested on June 14, could not be interrogated earlier as he was admitted to hospital following complaints of chest pain. Subsequently, he underwent a heart bypass surgery at a private hospital in Chennai and upon being discharged, was lodged at the Puzhal Central Prison, Chennai.
Armed with the apex court order, the ED through its counsel N. Ramesh moved an urgent application before the Principal Sessions Court for custodial interrogation. When the matter was taken up by Principal Sessions Judge S. Alli, Mr. Senthilbalaji was produced through video conferencing facility from the Central Prison. The judge said the apex court has allowed the ED to conduct custodial interrogation until August 12 and based on the order, she said Mr. Senthilbalaji can be taken for custodial interrogation from the judicial custody.
