Chennai, July 8 (IANS) The Madras High Court is set to hear former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji’s anticipatory bail plea on Wednesday in connection with the alleged Rs 35 crore horse-trading case involving an attempt to influence a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA.

Senthilbalaji has sought protection from arrest, contending that he has been falsely implicated in the case for political reasons and that there is no direct or credible evidence linking him to the alleged conspiracy.

He has maintained in his petition that the case was registered with political malice and requested the court to grant him anticipatory bail.

The case stems from allegations that TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja was offered Rs 35 crore to vote in favour of a proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Following the complaint, the Triplicane police arrested eight persons, including Thirunavukkarasu, who is alleged to have acted as an intermediary in the attempted horse-trading operation.

According to the police, the investigation has indicated the alleged involvement of Senthilbalaji and his younger brother, Ashok Kumar. Investigators subsequently issued summonses directing both men to appear for questioning. However, police said neither appeared before the investigating officers, prompting the investigation to proceed further.

Meanwhile, Ashok Kumar has also approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. His plea is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, who is hearing cases involving Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

In his petition, Senthilbalaji argued that he had no connection whatsoever with the alleged attempt to influence the TVK legislator and asserted that the accusations were politically motivated.

He further submitted that there was no material evidence to justify his arrest and sought protection while the investigation continues.

The horse-trading case has emerged as a politically sensitive investigation in Tamil Nadu, with the police probing allegations of attempts to influence the voting of elected representatives.

The High Court’s decision on the anticipatory bail pleas of Senthilbalaji and Ashok Kumar is expected to have a significant impact on the course of the investigation.

–IANS

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