"Land Worth Rs 30 Crore Bought For Rs 10 Lakh", Says ED In Statement After Searches At Palatial House In Karur Linked To Senthil Balaji

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a statement regarding the search operations it carried out at the palatial house in Karur being built by minister Senthil Balaji's brother, Ashok Kumar.

The house was later frozen by the ED.

It stated that the questionable nature of the deal to purchase the land for the house was unearthed during the investigation into the cash-for-jobs scam.

"During the investigation, it was revealed that a substantial parcel of land admeasuring 2.49 Acre located at Salem Bypass Road, Andankovil, Karur was acquired by Smt. P Lakshmi (Mother-in-Law of Shri. RV Ashok Balaji) from Smt. Anuradha Ramesh for a mere Rs. 10 lakhs, as against the land’s true value amounting to more than 30 Crore.

"However, while scrutinizing the income source of Smt. P Lakshmi, it was revealed that she lacked any credible means of income. Her assertion of selling old jewellery to secure Rs. 10 lakhs for the land purchase were proven to be fictitious.

"Subsequently, this plot of land was gifted to her daughter Smt. Nirmala, wife of Ashok Kumar, the brother of Senthil Balaji. Upon further investigation, it was disclosed that the remaining sum required for the land acquisition was paid in cash to Smt. Anuradha Ramesh. This cash, in turn, was employed by Smt. Anuradha Ramesh to procure another piece of land in the same vicinity.

"Considering these developments, the said property has been placed under a freeze order in accordance with section 17(1-A) of PMLA, 2002. Despite multiple summons issued to Shri. RV Ashok Balaji, Smt. Nirmala, and Smt. P Lakshmi, they are yet to appear in person, demonstrating a lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation."

Balaji is under ED custody till 12 August.

Also Read: Explained: The Cash For Jobs Scam During Senthil Balaji's Tenure As Transport Minister