Former Tamil Nadu Minister's Remand Extended Until August 2

A sessions court extended the remand of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji till August 2. Balaji, currently in custody for a money laundering case, was presented via video-conference. The court dismissed his plea to adjourn proceedings until the Madras High Court rules on his discharge petition.

A sessions court on Tuesday extended former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji's remand till August 2.

Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, presiding over the case, had Balaji presented through video-conferencing from Central Puzhal Prison. The judicial custody extension also applies until August 2.

Balaji, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year over a money laundering case, remains a key figure in the ongoing investigation.

In a related development, the court dismissed a petition by DMK leader Balaji, which sought to delay the proceedings until the Madras High Court could adjudicate on an appeal against a lower court's decision to dismiss his discharge plea. The judge indicated that charges would be formally framed against him on August 2.

Initially detained on June 14 for his involvement in a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in a previous AIADMK administration, Balaji continues to battle legal challenges on multiple fronts.