Chennai: The massive search and survey operation unleashed by the income tax department in the state entered second day on Friday. According to sources, of the 187 places raided on Thursday, operations were completed in 40 places and raids are underway on 147 premises. I-T department sources said on Friday Vivek Jayaraman’s in-laws properties and Karnataka AIADMK secretary Pugazhendi’s properties near Thanjavur were raided in addition to those under scanner. During raids, it is learnt that the sleuths have identified 60 shell companies, most of which are linked to a female relative of V.K .Sasikala, who resides at T Nagar.
I-T sleuths are also perusing the bank accounts of the Mannargudi clan, who are the primary targets in this massive operation. "At least 300 bank accounts are under the scanner including several in Chennai. There is a possibility of these accounts being frozen if incriminating eviden-ce is found," a department source said. Jazz Cinemas was closed on Friday too. Those under scrutiny continued to be non-cooperate with the I-T officials and in many instances, the department sought police help to facilitate their work.
As of Friday, officials have seized about 635 documents and records and the survey is expected to continue well until Monday. Raids continued at Jaya TV and Namadhu MGR on Friday too. A staffer of Jaya TV was brought to the office on Friday to assist the officials with the raids, sources said.
