Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji hospitalised; Rapid Action Force deployed at hospital
Chennai: In response to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji being admitted for medical examination, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at Omandurar Government Medical College.
This development comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took Senthil into custody in connection with a money laundering case.
Senthil Balaji Breaks Down; Supporters Protest
V Senthil Balaji, a prominent DMK leader, experienced an emotional breakdown while being taken into ED custody. The agency had conducted a raid at his premises before summoning him for questioning.
Outside the hospital, a scene of high drama unfolded as Balaji's supporters gathered to protest against the ED's actions.
Witnesses reported seeing the leader in apparent pain, lying in a car and surrounded by his loyal followers.
#WATCH | Rapid Action Force deployed at Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, where Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji has been brought for medical examination
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023
ED took him (Senthil) into custody last night in connection with a money laundering case. https://t.co/Oe4crk8Ota pic.twitter.com/l0Mh8W2uWj
Balaji's Condition
While DMK MP and lawyer NR Elango confirmed Balaji's presence in the ICU, he stated that the ED has not officially confirmed his arrest. Elango explained that the medical staff needed to assess Balaji's health condition and document any injuries resulting from the alleged assault.
DMK minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed solidarity with Balaji, emphasizing that legal actions would be pursued. Stalin further criticized the central government led by the BJP, asserting that the DMK would not be intimidated by their tactics.
DMK leaders raised concerns over Senthil Balaji's well-being, alleging that he complained of chest pain during the ED's custody.
Furthermore, they claimed that Balaji appeared unconscious when taken to the hospital by the ED. Amidst these developments, several prominent DMK ministers, including Udhyanithi Stalin, M Subramaniyan, EV Velu, and Sekar Babu, along with various party supporters, arrived at the hospital to meet Balaji.
(With ANI inputs)
First published: 14 June 2023, 8:56 IST