Chennai, 24 July (H.S.):Former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthilbalaji has been granted conditional anticipatory bail in the alleged conspiracy case linked to an attempt to destabilise the ruling TVK government, with a Chennai court directing him to report to the Triplicane police station twice every day until further orders.

The case, registered by the Triplicane police, names Senthilbalaji, his brother Ashok Kumar and several others. Investigators have alleged that the accused conspired to topple the TVK government by attempting to negotiate with TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who represents the Uthangarai Assembly constituency. The police claim the alleged efforts were part of a broader conspiracy to engineer defections and destabilise the government.

The Chennai Principal Sessions Court had earlier granted conditional anticipatory bail to Senthilbalaji and Ashok Kumar. As part of the bail conditions, both were directed to appear before the Triplicane police station every morning and evening and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Subsequently, Senthilbalaji and Ashok Kumar approached the Madras High Court seeking protection from what they described as possible police harassment while complying with the bail conditions. During the hearing, the High Court questioned how they could seek such relief without first surrendering before the trial court despite having already secured anticipatory bail. The court dismissed both petitions.

Following the High Court's order, Senthilbalaji appeared before the Chennai Principal Sessions Court on Friday and executed the required bail bond, paving the way for the formal confirmation of the anticipatory bail granted earlier.

The Sessions Court reiterated the conditions attached to the bail and directed Senthilbalaji to strictly adhere to them. Under the order, he must appear in person at the Triplicane police station every day from Saturday, July 25, and sign the station register at 10.30 a.m. and again at 5.30 p.m. The reporting requirement will remain in force until the court issues further directions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman