Madras High Court grants bail to DMK minister in 35 crore case

The Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail on Wednesday, July 8, to DMK legislator and former minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother, R.V. Ashok Kumar, in a bribery and political horsetrading case. The court's decision came amid a police investigation into allegations that the duo attempted to influence a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA with a 35-crore-rupee offer.

Justice G.K. Ilanthirayan granted the pre-arrest relief subject to conditions, directing both men to appear before the investigating officer daily until further orders and to fully cooperate with the inquiry. The case originated from a complaint filed on June 29 by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who represents the Uthangarai SC constituency. He alleged he was contacted over the phone by a person named Thirunavukkarassu, who told him a major political party would move a resolution against the Assembly Speaker. Elaiyaraja claimed he was offered 35 crore rupees to vote in favor of the resolution and threatened with consequences if he refused.

Based on this complaint, Chennai police registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarassu and two others on July 1. Subsequent arrests brought the total to eight individuals. According...