What is Tamil Nadu’s Cash for Job case? Who is Senthil Balaji?

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step by arresting Tamil Nadu Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V Senthil Balaji under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This is the first time a member of the MK Stalin-led cabinet has faced such action from a central probe agency. Balaji’s arrest was followed by intense questioning, and he is currently admitted to a government hospital due to health concerns. The agency is expected to seek his custody and produce him before a special court. Let’s know about this high profile case.

Minister Senthil Balaji’s arrest and health condition

After extensive questioning, minister Senthil Balaji was taken into custody by a central agency, becoming the first minister in Tamil Nadu to face such action in Chief Minister MK Stalin’s government. Prior to his arrest, Balaji was admitted to a government hospital in the city after experiencing uneasiness, and was advised by medical professionals to undergo immediate bypass surgery.

Background: IT raids and alleged recruitment scam

The recent crackdown against minister Senthil Balaji comes after Income Tax (IT) department raids at over 40 locations in Tamil Nadu that were linked to the minister and his supporters. This raid lasted for eight days. Additionally, the Supreme Court overturned a 2022 Madras High Court order quashing proceedings against Balaji and others involved in an alleged job-for-cash scam. The top court ordered a fresh probe into the matter and allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to continue with its probe. There is also a possibility of formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT) in future.

Cash for Jobs Scam: Timeline and Allegations

The roots of the case can be traced back to the period 2011-2015, when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government led by the late Jayalalithaa was in power in Tamil Nadu. Senthil Balaji served as the Minister of Transport during that time. It is alleged that Balaji had accepted bribes in return for appointments in the state transport department. Crores of rupees are involved in the scam and it has raised serious questions on corruption in the recruitment process.

Petitions and allegations: false promises and bribes

In 2018, a technical employee of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) filed a petition in the Madras High Court, highlighting alleged fraud in job offers within the MTC. The petitioner claimed that Senthil Balaji and others had allegedly made false promises of employment at various levels by accepting a bribe of Rs 4.25 crore. Surprisingly, many eligible candidates reportedly did not get job offers despite the payment.

Political journey of Senthil Balaji

Senthil Balaji, a prominent leader of the DMK party, started his political career in 1997 as a local body member in Karur. He later won the Karur assembly constituency during the 2006 Legislative Assembly elections as an AIADMK candidate. From 2011 to 2015, Balaji held the position of Transport Minister of the state. After Jayalalithaa’s demise in 2016, he switched allegiance to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in December 2018. Balaji emerged victorious once again in the April 2021 assembly elections and was appointed as the Minister of Power.

Raids continue at Senthil’s premises

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted a search operation at the official residence of Tamil Nadu Energy Minister Senthil Balaji and the raids are still on. After this, ED officials reached Senthil’s secretariat office on Wednesday morning, where only three employees were present. Sources in the secretariat revealed that the ED team was examining some documents in the office. Apart from Senthil’s house in Chennai, the ED also raided his ancestral residence in Karur.

Significantly, in May, the Income Tax (IT) department raided the residences of several contractors, including Senthil Balaji and his associates. During that time, there were reports of a scuffle with IT officials, which led to the arrest of several people linked to Senthil’s brother Ashok.

DMK accused the central government

After searches at Senthil Balaji’s residence and office, the DMK hit out at the central government, accusing it of using agencies like the IT department to wreak revenge against opposition leaders. DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi said that the central government is working against DMK leaders as it is unable to reduce the popularity of DMK and its leaders in the state. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin promised legal assistance in the matter.