Tamil Nadu Minister’s Arrest: Kharge Calls It ‘Act of Political Hatred’
New Delhi, June 14: Tamil Nadu State Energy Minister Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) late on Tuesday night. AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge has reacted to this and criticized the central BJP government saying it is “nothing but political harassment and revenge”.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned the arrest of the Tamil Nadu Energy Minister in connection with the money laundering case. Kharge said that this is nothing but political persecution and revenge against those who oppose the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.
The Congress press release said that it seems that the opposition parties are afraid of such brazen actions of the central government. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said these raids by central government agencies do not help in gathering ‘evidence’. He accused them of doing revenge politics through attack.
ED attack intended to scare?
ED and IT attacks on leaders who speak against BJP are commonplace. These attacks are intended to intimidate the opposition and bring pressure for politics. The MP tweeted that it will not be possible to collect any evidence of the hearing case.
Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s house was raided by ED on Tuesday. At this time, the authorities seized the evidence related to illegal money transfer. Later, early Wednesday morning, the Javanese minister was arrested and interrogated.
While being taken into custody by the ED officials, Balaji collapsed on the grass. This time a hydra took place. Currently, Balaji has been taken to Omandurar Government Hospital in Chennai for medical examination. Balaji’s supporters protested against the ED action, expressing anger over the arrest of their leader. The center shouted slogans against the BJP.
Allegation of money laundering in 2011-2015
The now arrested Balaji was the Transport Minister during the AIADMK-led government from 2011 to 2015. He is facing charges of illegal transfer of cash for employment. Authorities raided Balaji’s residence on Tuesday, a month after the court granted permission to investigate Balaji in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act case.
During the attack, arrest and intensive interrogation, Senthil developed chest pain and was admitted to the Chennai Government Hospital. He is being treated in the intensive care unit.