'Did Not Arrest Senthil Balaji's Brother Ashok Kumar'; 'He Has Skipped 4 Summons', Says ED

In a press release issued today (14 August), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that it had neither detained nor arrested Senthil Balaji's brother Ashok Kumar from Kochi as reported earlier by multiple media outlets.

It also stated that Kumar, his wife Nirmala and his mother-in-law, Lakshmi had skipped four summons till date.

Balaji was sent to judicial custody till 25 August by the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai after the conclusion of his ED custody on 12 August.

"A false news report that Shri R V Ashok Kumar, brother of Shri Senthil Balaji (Ex-Minister and MLA) has been detained in Kochi Kerala by the Directorate of Enforcement is being reported by multiple news sources.

"It is clarified that Shri R V Ashok Kumar has neither been detained nor been arrested by ED. It may however be stated that Shri R V Ashok Kumar has been summoned on four occasions on 16.06.2023, 21.06.2023, 29.06.2023 and 15.07.2023 as part of the ongoing probe.

"He has, however, never joined the investigation and has refused to appear before ED in response to the summons citing frivolous inconsequential excuses.

"In similar manner, his wife, Ms. Nirmala and his mother-in-law, Ms. P Lakshmi, have also not complied 04 individual summons. It is significant to note that evidences indicate that all three individuals have played pivotal roles in layering and integrating the proceeds of crimes."

The ED recently froze a palatial house being built in Karur by Kumar because the land was purchased for Rs 10 lakh while the true value was Rs 30 crore.

Also Read: "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