The income tax officials, raided the houses, offices of Tamil Nadu’s (TN) Health Minister C Vijayabhaskar, and film actor Sarathkumar, and at least one MLA, in connection with a tax evasion investigation.

The raids, that began around 5:30am, early this morning, were carried out, after a spate of reports, they they were involved in cash distribution to the voters.

Officials say, that the raids were conducted at over 30 locations in the State, including against certain medical professionals, pharma firms and their executives.

Over 100 IT officials, along with security personnel, are part of this operation. Also, premises related to officials of a medical university in the State are also being searched.

The officials further said, searches have been carried out against an MLA. However, the officials, did not give any details.

According to a source, “The searches were being carried out in multiple locations, including Chennai and Pudukottai, following a tip-off about alleged tax evasion.”

There were certain inputs, that black money is allegedly being used for the byelection to R K Nagar Assembly bypolls. There were even complaints of alleged money distribution by AIADMK Amma faction, TTV Dinakaran.

The bypoll elections are scheduled for April 12. The seat fell vacant, after the death of the then Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, and now it is being viewed as a massive battle of prestige for the two AIADMK, led by VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam.

The tax officials alleged that Mr. Vijayabaskar, has played a main role in the money distribution in the constituency.

Mr Vijayabaskar belongs to the Sasikala faction and Sarathkumar's All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), recently pledged support to Sasikala's candidate TTV Dinakaran.

Sarathkumar’s actress wife Radhika is said to have been present when the raids took place.

Officials said certain clues, in the mining baron Sekhar Reddy case, who was arrested for alleged financial irregularities after demonetization, have also prompted the latest action.

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