Former TN Minister Senthilbalaji Appears Before DVAC in Tasmac Probe

Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK legislator V. Senthilbalaji appeared in person before the investigating officer at the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) office in Chennai on Saturday for an inquiry into a case of alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) liquor business. The case relates to the functioning of Tasmac, the State-owned corporation that has exclusive control over liquor retail in Tamil Nadu.

The DVAC had conducted a discreet inquiry based on documents received from the government, which revealed a prima facie case of commission of a cognisable offence. A case was registered on July 28 under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Mr. Senthilbalaji, who served as Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise in the previous DMK regime; S. Visakan, an IAS officer and former Managing Director of Tasmac; several Tasmac officials; a personal assistant; and private individuals Rathesh and Karthik, who are alleged to be close associates of Mr. Senthilbalaji. Distillery and brewery companies, transport firms, bottling firms, and unidentified public servants of Tasmac were also named as accused.

Following the registration of the case, the DVAC conducted searches at several locations and seized incriminating documents from premises linked to the accused. On July 30, two individuals identified as Karthik and Ramesh, both from Karur district, were arrested in connection with the case. Subsequently, the DVAC summoned Mr. Senthilbalaji to appear for an inquiry. Pursuant to the summons, Mr. Senthilbalaji, accompanied by his lawyer, arrived at the DVAC office and recorded his statement before the investigating officer.

After leaving the office, Mr. Senthilbalaji addressed reporters. He questioned the handling of the case concerning hard disks allegedly stolen from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, stating that there was no clarity on the number of hard disks that had been traced. He referred to the State government's own White Paper, which he said listed achievements of the DMK government, including the installation of 99,000 transformers and a significant reduction in the Electricity Board's debt. These achievements, he argued, contradicted claims made in the Assembly that no work had been carried out during the DMK's tenure.

The former Minister challenged the ruling party to immediately release any evidence it claimed to have against the DMK, saying that if there was proof of wrongdoing, it should initiate legal action instead of issuing vague threats. He also alleged that the present administration had failed to fulfil its election promises and had not provided the promised benefits to the people during its first 100 days.

Mr. Senthilbalaji is a senior DMK leader and has previously held key portfolios in the State government. The DVAC investigation into the Tasmac case is ongoing, and further inquiries are expected.