Tamil film actor Sarath Kumar residence raided by IT in Chennai

Chennai: Tamil film actor Sarath Kumar's residence in southern Chennai was raided on April 7 morning by Income Tax authorities. The raids are said to be linked to the campaign for the RK Nagar byelection in Chennai scheduled for April 12.

In the last few days, it has been widely reported by the media that massive funds had been pumped into the election campaign, including rampant distribution of money to voters. Charges had been made against the AIADMK (Amma) candidate T T V Dhinakaran, in particular, with some sections of the media claiming  that over Rs 120 crore had been distributed to voters in the RK Nagar constituency on April 5.

Sarath Kumar is the President of the Samathuva Makkal Katchi which announced its support to AIADMK (Amma). Sarath Kumar announced his decision to support Dhinakaran and was scheduled to begin his campaign on April 7.

Problems have multiplied for the actor with a rival artistes group ousting him from the post of President of Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Film Artistes Association). The newly-elected office-bearers of the Sangam have alleged diversion of funds from the Sangam during Sarath Kumar's tenure.