Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Thursday dismissed Minister V Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers, Raj Bhavan said.

In an official release, Raj Bhavan said Senthil Balaji "is facing serious criminal proceedings in a number of cases of corruption, including taking cash for jobs and money laundering. Abusing his position as a minister, he has been influencing the investigation and obstructing the due process of law and justice."

Currently, he is in judicial custody in a criminal case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.

A few other criminal cases against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC are being investigated by the state police. "There are reasonable apprehensions that continuation of V Senthil Balaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law, including fair investigation that may eventually lead to breakdown of Constitutional machinery in the State," the release said.

"Under these circumstances, the Governor has dismissed Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect," the release added.

On June 14, Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Later, he was admitted to Omandurar government hospital here after he complained of uneasiness and chest pain during investigation.

The Principal Sessions Court judge, who visited Senthil Balaji in the hospital, ordered him to be remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

Subsequently, Senthil Balaji was shifted to Kauvery Hospital, where he underwent bypass surgery. 

Meanwhile, Ravi and the MK Stalin-led government have been at loggerheads over a number of issues. The new development looks dramatic in this context. It is learnt that the move happened without any consultation with the government. Chief Minister Stalin maintained that they would approach the matter legally.  

PTI