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Madras High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji, Brother in Alleged TVK MLA Horse-Trading Case

SimpliCity News Team · 08 Jul 2026

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted conditional anticipatory bail to DMK MLA and former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother, R.V. Ashok Kumar, in connection with the alleged ₹35-crore horse-trading case involving TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja.

The case arose from a complaint filed by Elaiyaraja, who alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore to vote against the Speaker during a proposed resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He also alleged that he was threatened with serious consequences if he refused to comply.

According to the prosecution, Elaiyaraja was allegedly approached at the behest of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. Three persons were arrested in connection with the case on July 1, and the investigation is continuing.

Appearing for Senthil Balaji, Senior Advocate N.R. Elango argued that the allegations against his client were based on assumptions and that there was no direct evidence linking him to the alleged offence. During the hearing, the Court observed that the FIR did not attribute any specific overt act to Senthil Balaji and sought clarification from the prosecution regarding his alleged role.

The defence further submitted that the prosecution's principal contention was that Senthil Balaji was present in Erode on the day of the alleged incident. It also argued that the case was being used to prevent him from carrying out his political responsibilities, particularly ahead of the Karur Assembly by-election.

Opposing the anticipatory bail plea, Public Prosecutor John Sathyan submitted that the investigation had uncovered material indicating a criminal conspiracy, including the booking of hotel rooms in Chennai. He further informed the Court that one of the accused had fled to Singapore and had allegedly deleted CCTV footage remotely, which investigators are attempting to recover.

The prosecution also alleged that the money involved in the purported transaction was routed through hawala channels and maintained that substantial material had been gathered to support the allegations.

After hearing the submissions, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan granted conditional anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. The Court directed both petitioners to fully cooperate with the investigation and appear before the investigating officer every day until further orders as part of the bail conditions.

Senthil Balaji Madras High Court TVK Horse Trading Case Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji, Brother in Alleged TVK MLA Horse-Trading Case

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