ED denies Sibal’s charge that Senthilbalaji was asked to join BJP during interrogation
The HinduThe Directorate of Enforcement on Friday denied senior counsel Kapil Sibal’s charge that Minister without portfolio V. Senthilbalaji was asked by the agency during interrogation to join the BJP. During the hearing in the bail application of the Minister, who is in judicial custody following his arrest by the ED in an alleged money laundering case, Mr. Sibal, appearing for him before Principal Sessions Judge S. Alli, said, “Off the record, the ED during interrogation asked why don’t you join the BJP.” The ED counsel reacted by saying, “No, no.” Mr. Sibal submitted that the entire proceedings by the ED against Mr. Senthilbalaji was mala fide. Elango, also appearing for Mr. Senthilbalaji, submitted that there was no cogent material to show that the Minister was guilty. Sunderesan, appearing for the ED, submitted that the predicate offence was cash-for-jobs scam, which was sufficient to proceed further under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.