The Madras High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by DMK MLA Senthil Balaji over the corruption case registered against him by the Directorate
of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The cancellation of the bail hence, has opened the way for his arrest, if the investigation deems it necessary. The allegations levelled against him in the corruption case exceed Rs. 17 crore to the public exchequer. The Court observed that the seriousness of the allegations warranted an extended custodial interrogation, basically saying that the investigators need to question Balaji further while he is in custody rather than outside it. The DVAC, arguing against the bail petition, said that the initial Rs. 17 crore charge against the MLA is "only the tip of the iceberg." According to the prosecuting counsel, the actual loss could be in the region of Rs. 100 crore. The DVAC's counsel said in court, that over 41 locations linked to the MLA have yielded substantial evidence in the conducted raids and searches. The prosecution further affirmed that custodial interrogation of the DMK leader was "absolutely necessary" in the case. With the cancellation of Balaji's anticipatory bail, the DVAC is legally no longer restrained by the pre-arrest protection. If the probing agency deems it necessary, Senthil Balaji can legally be arrested in the corruption case and can begin custodial interrogation.
