I-T Department seizes Rs 4.5 cr in raids related to R K Nagar byelection

The residence of TN Health Minister Vijayabaskar and leaders related to the ruling party raided

The Income Tax department has seized around Rs 4.5 crore in raids at various places, including the residence of Tamil Nadu health minister C Vijayabaskar. The department has received clear evidence related to malpractices in the upcoming by-election in R K Nagar, the assembly seat that fell vacant after the demise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, on April 12, said an I-T department official.

The raid started in the morning at around 35 locations including Vijayabaskar's residence and business offices. Raids were also conducted at the house of Sarath Kumar, an actor-cum-politician from Samathuvamakkal Katchi, along with some AIADMK leaders, said the official. A 150-member team conducted the raids till Friday evening.

The money was seized from two people close to the minister, said the officials.

"There is clear evidence that there were malpractices related to the upcoming by-poll," said an official. There have been wide rumours that money was distributed by various party men in the constituency, where two factions of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) are contesting to claimthe legacy of late Chief Minister and party supremo J Jayalalithaa.

Two AIADMK factions, led by Party secretary V K Sasikala and her relatives and another led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam are contesting the election, apart from the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's candidate and a party formed by Deepa Jayakumar, niece of late J Jayalalithaa.

The opposition DMK has come out alleging that the raids were conducted in various locations related to AIADMK leaders.