Inconsistencies in ‘Puli’ investments triggers IT raids

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted surprise searches at the houses and offices of actors Vijay, Nayanthara, Samantha and several others.

The IT department raided 35 places in Chennai, Madurai, Cochin, Trivandrum, Hyderabad from 7am onwards on Wednesday. Raids were being conducted at Vijay’s resort and residence, Nayanthara’s residence and Samantha’s residence, and the Puli producer’s house and his office in Chennai.

A senior income tax offical told The Hindu that the raids were connected to Vijay’s upcoming fantasy drama Puli. “Yes, the raids are on. We have found out that a lot of investments in movie Puli are not explained,” he said.

Raids are also going on at the homes of other producers of the movie — Shibu, Selvakumar, Madurai Anbu, financier Ramesh and other crew.