DMK minister jailed for 3 years in corruption case
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) minister K Ponmudy has been sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment in a Rs. 1.75 crore disproportionate assets case, ANI reported. The Madras High Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 50 lakh each on Ponmudy and his wife. The court convicted Ponmudy in the disproportionate assets case on Tuesday, overturning a trial court's order that acquitted him.
Jail term suspended for 30 days
However, he does not have to surrender just yet because his sentence has been stayed for 30 days to allow him to appeal his conviction at the Supreme Court. The case revolves around charges that Ponmudy amassed wealth disproportionately to the tune of Rs. 1.75 crore in his and his wife's names. This was reportedly 65.99% more than his known sources of income.
Case brought to court by AIADMK
The case dates back to the DMK's regime from 2006 to 2011, when the convicted leader was minister of high education, mines, and minerals. The opposing All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which came to power in 2011, brought the case to court. But in 2016, a special trial court in Villupuram acquitted the duo.
We are going to approach the Supreme Court: DMK
They were acquitted again in June
On June 28, a principal sessions court in Vellore acquitted Ponmudy and his wife again. However, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) filed an appeal before the high court in 2017, which was granted. The high court overturned the trial court's decision on Tuesday, noting that the charge of an offense punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, stands proved.
Sentenced to jail on Thursday
The court sentenced the Tamil Nadu higher education minister to three years of imprisonment on Thursday. Ponmudy's ministerial position will be lost as a result of his conviction, and his higher education portfolio will most likely be transferred to another cabinet member. Anyone convicted by a court loses their membership in either the Parliament or the assembly, according to the law.
