Thu Sep 26 12:53:56 UTC 2024: ## DMK Leader Senthil Balaji Granted Bail After Over a Year in Custody

**Kanpur, India** – After a year of legal battles, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Senthil Balaji has been granted bail by the Supreme Court. Balaji, who served as the minister for electricity and prohibition and excise in the Tamil Nadu government, was arrested in June 2023 in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam.

The case stems from Balaji’s tenure as transport minister under the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2016. Multiple complaints alleged that Balaji and his associates collected bribes from job aspirants in exchange for positions in the state-run Metropolitan Transport Corporation.

Balaji’s bail application was rejected by both the district sessions court and the Madras High Court before finally being granted by the Supreme Court on Thursday. The DMK hailed the decision as a “triumph over a prolonged political conspiracy”.

The case gained notoriety after some of the accused individuals reached “compromises” with the victims, which were seen as admissions of bribery. This prompted an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which eventually led to Balaji’s arrest.

Balaji’s political fortunes have fluctuated in recent years. After joining the DMK in 2018, he was elected to the Tamil Nadu assembly and appointed to the cabinet in 2021. However, his arrest brought his ministerial career to a halt.

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant Balaji bail raises questions about the future of the ongoing investigations into the alleged cash-for-jobs scam. It remains to be seen whether the ED will continue its investigations and if any further action will be taken against Balaji.

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