The former minister underwent extensive questioning at the vigilance agency’s Alandur office, maintaining that the proceedings will be faced through the legal process.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption conducted a multi-hour interrogation of former Tamil Nadu minister senthil balaji at its Alandur office in Chennai. The questioning session, which lasted around four hours, centered on alleged operational and financial malpractices within the state-run liquor retailer, TASMAC. Following the inquiry, the leader addressed the media, characterizing the ongoing administrative and legal actions as politically motivated and affirming that the matters would be contested strictly through the judicial system.
The inquiry follows extensive investigative steps taken by state enforcement agencies across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu. Anti-corruption officers had earlier executed searches across several dozen locations, inspecting premises connected to current and former administrative officials, transport contractors, and bottling partners. Investigators reportedly gathered extensive documentation regarding retail liquor operations, pricing mechanisms, and logistics arrangements before issuing the appearance summons to senthil balaji.
The allegations forming the basis of the first information report focus on the management of TASMAC tenders, retail bottle price discrepancies, and transportation distribution contracts during previous tenures. State regulatory frameworks govern liquor retailing completely through TASMAC, making procurement pricing and distribution highly regulated subjects. Before appearing for questioning, senthil balaji had approached the higher judiciary regarding pre-arrest protection, where conditions were laid down mandating full appearance and cooperation with the anti-corruption agency whenever formal summons were served.
Official agency sources indicated that the questioning framework comprised numerous queries relating to tender allocations, administrative decisions, and financial documentation retrieved during statewide searches. Outside the facility, senthil balaji maintained that public administrative debates and assembly procedures were being deflected by continuous legal actions against political rivals. He challenged the current administrative leadership to substantiate any procedural lapses openly in the legislature with verifiable documentation rather than resorting to prolonged public rhetoric.
The developments carry substantial political and public ramifications across Tamil Nadu, where the state-run retail corporation represents one of the largest revenue-generating commercial operations. With both the ruling administration and opposition benches trading allegations concerning state finances and procedural transparency, legislative discussions and civic discourse continue to focus heavily on governance accountability. The questioning of senthil balaji highlights the heightened administrative scrutiny surrounding the state’s procurement and distribution sectors.
Investigating teams are expected to review the recorded statements alongside previously confiscated digital data and transaction ledgers. Further steps, including additional summons or court submissions, will depend on the evaluation of the responses collected during this round of questioning. Meanwhile, legal representatives have stated that all future inquiries will continue to be addressed within the framework established by the judiciary.
Reference: Senthil Balaji Appears for DVAC Inquiry Regarding TASMAC Malpractice Allegations
