The Income Tax department searches on Friday unearthed evidence of distribution of ₹ 89 crore to voters in the Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency. In addition, over ₹5.5 crore was seized from two persons considered close to Tamil Nadu Health Minister C.Vijayabaskar.
The I-T sleuths also searched houses and offices belonging to Mr. Vijayabaskar, actor-turned-politician Samuthuva Makkal Katchi leader Sarathkumar and S. Geethalakshmi, Dr MGR Medical University Vice Chancellor.
The searches began early morning at more than 30 places and by 11.30 a.m. the taxmen found evidence which pointed to more locations. “The raids were then extended to more than 50 locations,” said a senior I-T official. A search at the MLA’s Hostel and at Lakshmi Lodge in Egmore opened up a Pandora’s box. “We found several incriminating documents at both these places. Our investigations show that they have hidden the documents here just a few hours before the raids,” an official said.
IT raids actor Sarath Kumar's house in Chennai.
I-T dept. seizes over ₹5.5 crore
At the Minister’s premises, some papers were recovered. The papers had signatures of people (confidants) who received money. Simultaneously, searches were conducted at homes of relatives and associates of Mr.Vijaybaskar. “We recovered ₹ 3.5 crore from Nainar Mohammed (a confidant of the Minister) and Kalpesh (₹1.1 crore). Another crore was seized from a confidante of the Minister. We are interrogating them on the source of these funds,” the taxmen said.
The Minister’s accountant Srinivasan had some papers in his possession, which showed that ₹89 crore was distributed at R.K Nagar.
At Pudukottai, ₹20 lakh was found in envelopes. “This was money taken for postings and transfers,” the I-T officials said. An educational institution and a quarry (at Tiruvengaivasal village) belonging to the Minister were also searched.
Ruckus by Ministers
The officials said that some Ministers barged into Mr. Vijaybaskar’s house (in Chennai) and created a ruckus when the search was on.
The taxmen did not find any cash at Mr. Sarathkumar’s place. “We gathered information that he has received around ₹7 crore from Mr. Vijayabaskar, but could not find the money. But we have got some WhatsApp messages acknowledging the receipt of money,” they said.
Inquiries are continuing at Dr. Geethalakshmi’s place.
