Police said that Balaji, a resident of Kancheepuram, was nabbed on July 23 by the Food Cell police when they were conducting a routine vehicle check near the Vaniyambadi toll plaza. About 1,100 kg rice packed in 22 bags and suspected of being smuggled to Karnataka was found inside his vehicle. 

On interrogation after being arrested, Balaji revealed that there are several rice smuggling cases pending against him. Following this, Food Cell SP (Chennai) recommended Vellore Collector SA Raman to issue orders to detain Balaji under the Goondas Act.