Week after ED arrest, TN minister Senthil Balaji set to undergo bypass surgery today

When he was arrested, Balaji complained of severe chest pain and was admitted to a government hospital, where doctors diagnosed the presence of “critical blocks”.

Following his arrest, Balaji complained of chest discomfort (Screenshot/ANI video)

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Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week in connection with an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, is scheduled to undergo heart surgery at a private hospital in Chennai on Wednesday, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian said.

When he was arrested, Balaji complained of severe chest pain and was admitted to a government hospital, where doctors diagnosed the presence of “critical blocks”. He was then moved to the private Kauvery Hospital in accordance with a court order.

He had undergone a coronary angiogram on June 14 – the day of his arrest – and was advised to have an immediate heart bypass surgery.

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Subramanian said Balaji was not aware of the “critical blocks” before last week’s diagnosis.

Balaji’s arrest followed an ED raid at his official residence and office that lasted 18 hours.

On Monday, the ED moved the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order that allowed Balaji to be transferred to the private hospital. The ED told the court that it was possible that Balaji may be feigning illness to evade investigation. The court will be hearing the case on Wednesday, the same day as Balaji’s scheduled surgery.

Meanwhile, a lawyer filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court on Monday against the continuation of Balaji in the state Cabinet despite being in judicial custody.