The Madras High Court on Thursday denied bail to Minister V. Senthilbalaji, even on medical grounds, in a money laundering case that led to his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on June 14 this year. The court held that his medical records did not disclose any health condition that could be treated only if he was released on bail.
While denying the bail sought solely on account of ill-health, Justice G. Jayachandran also took into account the past conduct of the petitioner, his continuation as Minister even after arrest, his brother Ashok Kumar having absconded despite being a co-accused, and the attack on Income Tax (I-T) Department officials when they raided his premises in May this year. “These lead to an irresistible conclusion that he will directly and indirectly influence or cause deterrence to witnesses if released on bail...The non-cooperation of Mr. Ashok Kumar also justifies the apprehension of the ED that there is a flight risk causing impediment in progress of trial,” the judge wrote.
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