Taxmen raid Jaya TV, associates, over suspected tax evasion

Chennai:  Income Tax sleuths today raided the premises of Jaya TV here and its associates over suspected tax evasion as part of ‘Operation Clean Money’, sources said.

The searches at the Tamil television channel, which is perceived to be politically disposed in favour of deposed AIADMK leaders V K Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran, were conducted over alleged tax evasion.

Also, the allegation covers aspects like shell companies, dubious investments, fund flow and fudging of accounts, income tax sources here told PTI. The searches at the TV channel’s accounts branch here is part of ‘Operation Clean Money’, sources said.

Searches also cover the premises of Midas Distilleries and Jazz Cinemas, they said. The two entities are perceived to be associated with some of those linked to Jaya TV. Jaya TV also reported the searches by tax sleuths in its premises and at Jazz cinemas.

The searches were being conducted by more than 10 groups since this morning, sources added.