A court in Virudhunagar district on Thursday remanded K.T. Rajenthra Balaji, a minister in the previous AIADMK government, to 15 days in judicial custody in connection with cheating cases.
Balaji had been absconding since mid-December. He was arrested by Tamil Nadu Police from Hassan district of Karnataka on Wednesday afternoon.
Balaji has, reportedly, filed a bail plea in the Supreme Court.
Balaji and three others were arrested for their alleged involvement in a job scam related to Aavin, the state-run dairy cooperative, an organisation that came under his authority as dairy minister.
At least 23 victims were identified and a total of Rs1.4 crore was collected from them allegedly for securing jobs. They were promised various jobs in the state government departments/undertakings including in Aavin.
also read
- Tamil Nadu polls: Vijay's war on DMK is creating new challenge for AIADMK; inside TVK leader’s strategy to claim MGR and Jayalalithaa's legacy
- After Sengottaiyan joins Vijay’s TVK, will more AIADMK leaders follow suit?
- How will Vijay’s TVK benefit from Sengottaiyan’s arrival? Ex-TN minister resigns as MLA
- Tamil Nadu polls: After Vijay positions TVK as DMK's primary rival, AIADMK says some riding on 'illusiory image'
Balaji was also accused of siphoning off Rs 3 crore from Aavin.
Balaji had been facing multiple cases related to misuse of his position. He had filed an anticipatory bail plea with the Madras High Court, but his petition was turned down. The state police issued a lookout notice against him on December 23.
