I-T searches at Ekta Kapoor's premises

Searches are being carried out for suspected tax evasion, team of over 100 officials is on the job, sources say

Income Tax officials today conducted searches at Balaji Telefilms' facilities and the residence of its promoters -- producer Ekta Kapoor and her actor-father Jeetendra -- here for suspected tax evasion.

Sleuths from the department swooped down on seven locations across the city, including the yesteryear star and his daughter's residence in suburban Juhu, as part of the searches, which began at 0700 hours, I-T sources said.

Balaji Telefilms' office and studio are also among the seven premises where searches are being conducted, they added.

The searches are being carried out for suspected tax evasion and a team of over 100 officials is on the job, the sources said.

The personal office of Ekta Kapoor, who made it big with television soaps, before venturing into films, and that of her actor-brother Tushar Kapoor in suburban Bandra was also searched, they said.

According to the sources, the statements of Ekta Kapoor, the joint managing director at Balaji Telefilms, and Jeetendra, the company chairman, are likely to be recorded later.

Officials at Balaji Telefilms were not available for a comment immediately.

Shares of the listed Balaji Telefilms were trading 4.41% down at Rs 43.35 a piece on the BSE at 1132 hours, with the 30-share benchmark up 0.13%.